Name: Darien Reece
Center: Meals 4 Kids
Volunteer Hours: 330.5

Q: What made you interested in volunteering with Meals on Wheels People/Meals 4 Kids?
A: We have been donating to Meals on Wheels People for a long time, because we think they provide such a vital service and connection to the community. So when I retired, I was ready to start volunteering with MOWP. And I was excited to learn about the Meals4Kids program, which reaches even more families.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your volunteer experience?
A: I really like helping Meals4Kid families by making food deliveries. My husband, Jeff, does the driving, so that’s good time together.
I also enjoy working alongside M4K staff and other volunteers during cooler-bag cleaning. It’s amazing how fast we can get a batch of bags sanitized with some classic eighties music on the radio!
Once a week, I make Wellness Check calls for MOWP, which gives me a chance to check in with more folks, and I do Friendly Chats on holidays.

Q: What inspires you?
A: I love meeting new people and learning new things. I’ve started taking Spanish classes through PCC via Zoom, which has been fun, and hopefully will also help in my volunteer life.

Q: What do you like to do when you’re not volunteering?
A: I like to take walks in the neighborhood with Jeff and our aging Labrador, Gabby. In the summer I spend a lot of time out in the garden, and in the winter it’s crafts like weaving and feltmaking.

Q: Who has influenced you the most?
A: My parents: Mom was a wonder of creativity and organization, and my Dad loves to meet people and hear their stories (he also has some good ones of his own.)