In a recent Feeding America blog post, Meals On Wheels Association of America President and CEO, Ellie Hollander, writes about the Administration on Aging’s Older Americans Month. Read an excerpt below and view the full piece here.
May is a very special month in which, thanks to President Kennedy’s proclamation fifty years ago, we honor Older Americans for the invaluable and everlasting contributions they have made to enriching life in America. Accordingly, please join me in paying tribute to our grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, friends, teachers, colleagues, military veterans, and scores of other seniors to whom we owe immeasurable thanks and gratitude. And it shouldn’t stop there.
If you’re looking for cheerful and dependable volunteers, you need to meet Larry and Paulette Goodman. Arriving to Christian Senior Services of San Antonio’s Meals on Wheels pick-up site in matching attire, they show up with a positive attitude, proudly displaying bright neon colors with black t-shirts that read “YOLO” (You Only Live Once) – the Goodman’s try to stay up with the times.
For the past 16 years, the Goodman’s have been delivering meals to homebound seniors with their very first delivery being made from Hope Lutheran Church. “We stay busier [in retirement] that we did when we worked,” chuckled Mrs. Goodman. When a route needs to be covered last minute, Meals on Wheels knows to rely on the Goodman’s. “They call us when they need us,” says Mr. Goodman.
When asked why they continue to volunteer with Meals on Wheels, Mrs. Goodman warmly replied, “You know what it is? It’s about being on the giving end, not the receiving… We are retired, we are very blessed, and it’s the best way we can give back to our community.” With their hearts dedicated to helping our elderly neighbors, we’re happy to have this dynamic duo serving on our side.
