Jack’s Story – A Blueprint of Devotion for the Community
Written by Saudah M., Circle of Care Volunteer Writer
Meet Jack G., one of our longest-serving volunteers. Around three decades ago, shortly after retiring, Jack made the decision to begin volunteering with Circle of Care’s Meals on Wheels program. He had noticed a lack of resources available for many vulnerable seniors in the community, but saw that the Meals on Wheels program was helping bridge the gap, especially regarding food insecurity.
As a Meals on Wheels volunteer, Jack has delivered many thousands of nutritionally balanced meals to clients in the community. His meal recipients often live alone and many are no longer able to cook on their own. Jack approaches each delivery with a relaxed, positive manner. He greets his clients warmly and offers them reassurance in any way he can.
“You have to operate as if you are a friend to the outside world,” Jack says. “Not as someone who is only knocking on their door and dropping off their meal.”
In this way, he focuses on making a conscious effort to connect with his clients—seeing them as people with stories and needs, rather than just stops on a delivery route.
Mobilizing Resources to Address Needs
Around the same time that he began volunteering with Meals on Wheels, Jack started working with Circle of Care as a transportation driver, transporting seniors and people with disabilities to medical appointments and social visits. Jack eventually retired from his role as a driver, but continues to deliver meals with his wife Tolsa.
Paving the Way for a Hopeful Tomorrow
In his own words, Jack’s life motto can be summed up in a few words – a philosophy to “go-with-the-flow”. This type of attitude has kept him volunteering year over year. While most would see his long dedication as a volunteer as an incredible milestone, for Jack it’s simply part of his ongoing commitment to giving back, and he has no plans to stop in the foreseeable future.
“I actually wish I could do more,” he admits. “But when it comes to volunteering, you can’t have a chip on your shoulder. You need to be quick and light – it’s important you bring the right mindset.”
He implores other members of the community, of all ages, to contribute their abilities to programs like Meals on Wheels. “It’s important to be someone who can offer care and fulfill essential services, now more than ever, for our local communities,” he says.
Volunteerism like that displayed by Jack shows that these experiences are not only meaningful for those receiving support—but that it also brings lasting benefits to the volunteer. Over time, volunteering can contribute to purpose beyond work, improved well-being, and a greater appreciation for the impact of small, consistent acts of care.
As Jack continues to volunteer, his impact will be felt, not only in the services he provides, but in the meaningful connections he fosters—reminding us that true care is sustained over time.
Together, we can address senior isolation, mobility, and mental well-being with a commitment of just a few hours a month. If you’re interested in volunteering with us, please visit our website to learn more: https://circleofcare.com/volunteer/.
