Our February Volunteer Spotlight is here! We’re a few days late, but are incredibly excited to share this feature. Please meet the latest Volunteer Spotlight, Cathi Richie. Cathi volunteers out of the Taylor Senior Center, which delivers meals to both Taylor and Hutto residents.
In March of last year, congregate sites were closed and all meals became home-delivered meals. Thanks to Cathi and other volunteers like her, we were able to transition to all home-delivered meals.
Q: How long have you been delivering Meals on Wheels?
A: I started volunteering for Meals on Wheels in September 2019.
Q: Why did you decide to volunteer for Meals on Wheels?
A: My oldest son was taking a Parent Lead Drivers Education Course and I was looking for a meaningful way for him to achieve driving practice. I was familiar with what a great service Meals on Wheels provides, having utilized the service in Maine when my mother was living with Alzheimer’s. Volunteering for Meals on Wheels was the perfect fit – helping the community and getting driving practice.
Q: Why do you think Meals on Wheels is important for seniors living on their own?
A: Some seniors living on their own do not get a lot of personal interaction. Sometimes we are the only person they see on any given day. We are able to check how they are doing and spend some time visiting with them. I think it is important to let them know they aren’t forgotten. The entire Taylor group does such a great job with this.
Q: What is your favorite part about volunteering for Meals on Wheels?
A: My favorite part is seeing their smiles. They truly look forward to seeing us each day. I look forward to seeing ‘my seniors’ every week. I like to see how I can help them beyond delivering their meal, sometimes it’s as simple as listening to them talk about their family or an appointment. Other times, I have retrieved items out of reach or picked up knocked over plants. It is so easy for me and so appreciated by them.
Q: What would you tell someone interested in donating to or volunteering for Meals on Wheels?
A: Donating time or money to Meals on Wheels is a win-win. It takes so little to mean so much. You’ll feel great and so will someone else. I think it is such a great way to help the seniors in our community and give back that I have both my sons doing deliveries with me.
Thank you for all you have done for Meals on Wheels in Taylor over the last year and a half, Cathi. We love that you have involved your boys! We appreciate your volunteerism and your ability to give back to those in need.