December 2, 2025
Each week, thousands of generous volunteers give their time and care to help older adults and individuals with disabilities across Central Texas stay nourished, safe, and connected. Today, we want to celebrate two extraordinary volunteers whose commitment remind us all of the power of community — John Nyfeler and Sally Fly.
John is a retired architect — a former owner of his own architecture firm — while Sally devoted more than 30 years working at the Austin branch of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Their professional lives helped shape Austin’s physical landscape. As volunteers, their passion for service has helped build a different kind of foundation — one rooted in compassion, kindness, and human connection.
Their journey with Meals on Wheels Central Texas began with the Austin Founders Lions Club. As a long-time Lions member, John embraced the club’s volunteer responsibility at MOWCTX’s Central Kitchen. Even during the pandemic — when so many services were disrupted — club members kept delivering meals to homebound neighbors in need. It was on those routes that John and Sally’s deeper connection to our mission began.
Today, they continue that mission — driving regular delivery routes, stepping in as substitute drivers when needed, and always answering the call when help is needed. With Sally behind the wheel and John navigating the route (and their faithful dog Sophie sometimes along for the ride), they deliver meals, offer wellness checks, and bring warmth and smiles to neighbors who may otherwise be alone.
A Birthday Celebration That Gives Back
This December, John will turn 90 — a remarkable milestone! But instead of a traditional gift-filled celebration, John and Sally have decided to mark this moment with something deeply meaningful for the community they love.
On December 7, 2025, John will be honored with an intimate celebration attended by family and friends. At that gathering, John and Sally will share their history with MOWCTX — what volunteering has meant to them, how it has shaped their lives, and how the community they helped serve has shaped them in return. Rather than gifts for themselves, they are asking loved ones to donate to MOWCTX in honor of John’s milestone.
Why? Because John feels that, at 90, he already has all he needs. The greatest gift he and Sally could receive is the ripple of kindness that could spread through our community — the chance to brighten lives, deliver nourishment, and foster connections.
Volunteers Make Our Mission Possible
Because of supporters like you, Meals on Wheels Central Texas is able to deliver more than just meals.
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We serve over 5,000 seniors and individuals with disabilities throughout Central Texas.
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Every business day, we deliver around 3,000 hot, nutritious meals to homebound neighbors — meals that bring nourishment, companionship, and vital check-ins.
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Thanks to volunteers, we are able to offer a wide range of services beyond meals — from home repairs to pet support, in-home care, and more.
For volunteers like John and Sally, every delivery isn’t just a stop on a route. It’s a moment of connection. Over time, they’ve come to know many neighbors by name. They share stories, check in on well-being, and offer companionship. Some neighbors greet Sally with hugs. Others rely on those meal-time visits as their primary link to the outside world. In many cases, volunteers are the only people a senior may see all day.
In a world where many older adults live alone, those interactions can mean the difference between isolation and hope. The smiles, the meals, the reassurance that someone cares. It’s what community is all about.
And for Meals on Wheels Central Texas, each volunteer hour and every donation makes a tangible difference. Volunteer-powered deliveries help us stretch resources further, enabling us to expand services that nourish not only bodies, but dignity, independence, and quality of life.
Join John and Sally by Delivering Hope
This holiday season, you have the power to help transform lives. In honor of John’s 90th birthday, we invite you to carry forward their spirit of service and join us in giving back.
Here’s how you can get involved:
Donate. Make a one-time gift or consider setting up a recurring gift. Every dollar helps keep meals, care, and hope flowing to our neighbors.
Volunteer. Whether you can commit to a regular route or just pick up an occasional substitute shift — every hour counts. New volunteers can begin by completing a quick volunteer application.
Form or join a Delivery Team. Team up with friends, coworkers, or family for a wonderful way to share the joy of giving back.
Email Us to Start Your Volunteer Team
This holiday season, join John and Sally and amplify the kindness! With your support, we can deliver more than meals to neighbors in need. Every hour volunteered and every gift made helps us make dignity, safety, and connection possible for homebound Central Texans in need.