Carolyn’s Story: Bringing Food—and Connection—to Seniors at Home
Written by Saudah M., Circle of Care Volunteer Writer
What happens when something as routine as grocery shopping is no longer possible? For many seniors living with mobility challenges or chronic conditions, the answer can mean going without fresh, nutritious food. This is problematic, because as having reliable access to groceries is a cornerstone of healthy aging. It supports better nutrition, helps manage chronic conditions, and reduces the risk of hospitalization.
For someone facing challenges, some support becomes life-changing. Circle of Care has a range of volunteer-fueled programs that aim to mitigate food insecurity and isolations among seniors.
In the summer of 2022, Carolyn—who spent more than 25 years as a librarian—brought her lifelong commitment to community care to Circle of Care as a Grocery Pickup Volunteer.
Every other week, volunteers like Carolyn collect grocery orders and deliver them directly to clients’ homes. When needed, they also help unpack and organize groceries in clients’ homes.
This type of support helps seniors continue to live in the comfort of their own homes. With food readily available, they can continue choosing what they eat, preparing meals in their own kitchens, and keeping routines that support both their physical health and overall well-being.
Carolyn approaches each delivery with the same care and attention she once brought to her work in libraries. Over time, she’s built strong, trusting relationships with the people she visits. Through simple conversations at the doorstep or in the kitchen, she learns their preferences, habits, and small details that matter—like which brands they like or how they adapt recipes to suit their needs.
These moments of connection are just as important as the groceries themselves. They help reduce isolation, build trust, and ensure that each client feels seen and respected.
Given Carolyn’s dedication to prioritizing her clients’ needs at every step, it’s no surprise that she believes in the philosophy of empathetic service. “You have to remove any preconceived notions of what it means to ‘give’, and be respectful, first and foremost,” she says.
For Carolyn, volunteering is about showing up with intention and compassion. She encourages new volunteers to take even a few extra moments to connect. “Being able and open to listen goes a long way to showing curiosity,” she shares. “Volunteering means that someone is willing to help bridge that gap.”
That “gap” is often larger than it seems. It’s the space between having food and going without, between isolation and connection, between coping and truly living well.
As we celebrate 2026 as the International Year of Volunteering, we recognize the incredible impact our volunteers have in our community.
We also invite anyone who has been thinking about giving back to take that first step: whether you have a few hours a week or a desire to make a meaningful difference, volunteering offers a powerful way to support your community and change lives. To learn more, visit our Volunteer page.
