Celebrate National Volunteer Week with us by meeting five inspiring Meals on Wheels People volunteers making a lasting difference in their communities.
At Meals on Wheels People, our volunteers are the driving force behind everything we do. Over the past year, 2,033 incredible individuals dedicated 89,147 hours to supporting their aging neighbors across the Portland-Vancouver metro area — an impact valued at $3.2 million in cost savings.
As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, we’re proud to recognize five outstanding volunteers who exemplify our core values of Integrity, Respect, Inclusion, Creativity, Commitment, and Teamwork. Their dedication, compassion, and willingness to go above and beyond make a lasting difference in the lives of the people we serve. Meet them below and see how they’re making an impact!
Tom faszholz | Delivery Driver
Delivery driver for Hillsboro Center in Washington County | 23 years
Tom is a cornerstone of Meals on Wheels People in Hillsboro, delivering meals with a warm smile and a listening ear. His dedication extends beyond meal deliveries — he’s painted dining room walls, helped with fundraisers, served on the Hillsboro Steering Committee, and even sat on the MOWP board of directors.
“It’s a privilege for me to get involved and show our love for people,” says Tom, 88. “So many people are just lonely. The meals are almost secondary to just being a friend and listening to people. That’s the key to the whole program. It brings so much joy to me, so it works both ways.”
Patty Farrell | Delivery Driver and Dining Center Support
Delivery driver and dining center support for Martin Luther King Jr. Center in Multnomah County | 6 years
For Patty, 70, volunteering is a family tradition — her mother introduced her to Meals on Wheels People (then Loaves & Fishes) 55 years ago. Now, she is dedicated to packing meals and delivering them with her husband, Bob.
“For us, it’s all about the relationships,” she says. “The staff are so competent and caring. The people we deliver meals to have really become our friends.”
Patty’s attentiveness, compassion, and reliability make her an invaluable volunteer, and we’re so grateful for her commitment to our community.
John and Joyce Gentry | Delivery Drivers and dining center support
Delivery drivers and dining center support for Luepke Center in Clark County | 7 years
John and Joyce have been dedicated Meals on Wheels People volunteers, logging over 1,800 hours of service. From stepping in on a snow day before even completing a drive-along to collecting pet food donations, they always go the extra mile.
“It’s something we can do together,” Joyce, 72, says. “It’s a warm fuzzy.” John, 73, adds: “Often, we’re the only people the participants see all day. It’s just our nature to help.”
Their kindness and commitment make a lasting impact.
Dick Willis | Delivery Driver
Delivery driver for Meals 4 Kids | 9 years
Dick’s dedication to our Meals 4 Kids program is unmatched — he delivers meals three days a week with kindness and consistency. Always the first to arrive, he greets every day with a bright smile and a positive attitude. His commitment goes beyond deliveries; he’s even learning Spanish to better communicate with the families he serves.
“I will be doing this for as long as I possibly can,” says Dick, 79. “I enjoy every day of it. It’s pure joy.”
Sarah Lockhart | Friendly Chats caller
Friendly Chats caller | 4 years
Sarah is a steady force in the Friendly Chats program, making weekly calls to a dozen participants and always stepping up to help with extra tasks. Her background in social work shines through in her deep care and advocacy for those she calls.
“Everybody should feel that somebody cares about them,” says Sarah, 79. “Some people just want to know that you thought of them, that you’re there in case they need you. That’s why I do it.”
We rely on more than 200 volunteers every day to deliver meals to homebound seniors, make Friendly Chats calls, serve lunch at our dining centers, and so much more. Will you join us?
