Volunteer: Ira Forleiter
Center: Luepke
Total Hours: 430
Volunteer Since: 2018

Q: What made you interested in volunteering with Meals on Wheels People?
A: After I retired I was looking for a volunteer opportunity where I felt I could make a real impact on my local community, and have the chance to interact with people that really needed the service I was providing

Q: What do you enjoy most about your volunteer experience?
A: The clients. It has become so obvious to me that our clients sincerely appreciate the meals and visits we provide them week after week and they let me know this time and again. It makes me feel like I have accomplished what I was after when I first volunteered about four years ago.

Q: What inspires you?
A: Family and good friends and good food!

Q: What do you like to do when you’re not volunteering?
A: I like to travel but since Covid that has not been so much of an option. I really enjoy going out to hear live music. Before Covid I was doing that at least twice a week, oftentimes more. I look forward to getting together with friends (my family primarily being on the east coast) for evenings of conversation and meals.

Q: If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be?
A: Tough question – the two places I have visited and could see myself living in for a year are Bali and Vietnam. I would say Vietnam has an edge. Both places have extremely friendly people, are extraordinarily beautiful, and have terrific local foods. Having said that I have found reason to live in several of the countries I have visited, but these two stand out.