August 4, 2020
If you ever need living proof of the adage “not all superheroes wear capes”, look no further than our amazingly dedicated volunteers!
They continued to be life savers during the COVID-19 outbreak, delivering food and other vital services to the thousands of vulnerable homebound older Central Texans we serve. Donning masks and practicing social distancing and other precautionary measures, these selfless individuals have rallied to the cause of keeping our elders healthy and safe during unsettling times.
We recently asked a few of these superheroes what keeps them volunteering in the middle of a pandemic. Here’s what they had to say (note - date in parentheses is the year they began volunteering with us):
Mark Molchen (1998)
“I feel bad that people are alone and isolated, not by their choice. They need food and some encouragement.”
Larry Koch (2016) and Beverly Darilek (2016)
“We’re just accustomed to helping. We like to get out and do this.”
Jessica Lauterjung (2017)
“I’m just trying to find a way to do my part and help people. It’s hard to do when you’re just with your family at home. So this was one way that there was an opportunity to get out and do God’s work.”
Jonathan Richey (2013)
“I know people need food more than ever right now and we’re just trying to do anything we can to help and do our part. We appreciate what Meals on Wheels is and what they do for the community and we’re proud to be a part of it.”
John Anderson (2000)
“I’ve been doing this a long time and I know how these people depend on the food.”
Sunee Conly (2020)
“I figure it’s more important than ever and I have a lot of free time on my hands.”
Lisa Baker (2018)
“Because there’s a real need in the community.”
Abby Winkler (2019)
“I grew up with grandparents who received Meals on Wheels. So it’s very close to my heart. Especially in this time, I think it’s important for me to make sure that people in Austin are all receiving their meals.”
Jessica McCarthy (2006)
“I’m able bodied, I can get out of the house. We need to provide support to locals who are homebound. I know it’s a cliché right now, but we’re all in this together.”
On behalf of the 5,000 homebound older Central Texans we serve every year, THANK YOU, MOWCTX VOLUNTEERS! We literally could not do it with you!