FALL 2025 | IN THIS ISSUE TOGETHER, WE CAN DELIVER!
mission in motion
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR UPDATES
Learn more about the Fall plans for our agency and read about a day in the life of a home-delivered meal volunteer
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHTS
Meet a few of the remarkable individuals who embody the essence of offering “more than a meal” to the seniors we support
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
Discover the magic of the season by exploring our exciting lineup of upcoming holiday events! Join us for festive fun and create unforgettable memories with our clients.
Welcome to our Fall volunteer newsletter! Dive in to discover heartwarming stories, updates on our impact, and exciting ways you can continue making a difference in the community. We hope you enjoy the read and feel inspired by the incredible work we're doing together.
Updates from Our Executive Director
Dear Cherished Volunteers,
As autumn starts to transform our community, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary impact you make in the lives of our senior neighbors Each meal delivered represents not just nourishment for the body, but also for the soul your friendly faces and caring conversations often being the brightest part of their day
The connections you forge during these visits create a tapestry of compassion that extends far beyond the doorstep. Your commitment to our seniors demonstrates the true meaning of community showing that no one needs to face loneliness or food insecurity in their golden years.
This fall, I'm thrilled to share some exciting news that exemplifies the deep commitment of our volunteer family. One of our dedicated special event volunteers, Kendra J. Gilbert, has stepped forward to share her considerable business and marketing expertise by joining our Board of Directors!
Kendra, who owns and operates Lotus Flower Home Care, Inc , brings years of experience working with seniors in various capacities Her decision to deepen her involvement with our organization highlights something I've always known our volunteers don't just deliver meals; they deliver their hearts and talents in countless ways
Our volunteer board remains a critical cornerstone of our work, providing guidance and vision as we continue to serve our community's most vulnerable members. Kendra's addition strengthens our ability to reach more seniors and enhance the services we provide. It is an exciting time for MOWSOFLO as we are transforming as well!
If you are interested in joining our board and helping to frame the future of MOWSOFLO, we need you! Some areas of expertise that are priorities are board governance, development, and project management. Still, the most essential requirement is a PASSION for our mission of ensuring no senior in Broward County lives with hunger or in isolation.
As we move into this season of gratitude, please know how deeply we appreciate each one of you Whether you're delivering meals, offering a listening ear, or sharing your professional skills, you are the heartbeat of our mission
With profound thanks,
Executive Director
additional updates...
While our volunteers generously donate their time to support our mission, we kindly ask that all clients help us serve them better by following these important guidelines:
Client Responsibilities:
Be home on delivery days unless prior arrangements have been made by calling Meals on Wheels South Florida at 954-714-6920 | 954-714-6943. Please notify us at least 48 hours in advance of any schedule changes.
Avoid scheduling appointments on your delivery day to ensure you are available to receive your meals.
Sign for your meals. You or your designated representative must sign the delivery sheet each time, confirming that your meals were received.
Be seen by a volunteer at least every other week. This in-person visit is required to help us maintain the funding that supports this program.
Keep your information current. Please notify us immediately if your address, phone number, or emergency contact changes.
These responsibilities are essential for volunteers to carry out their duties efficiently and effectively.
additional updates...
Something exciting is on the way: Our Mobile App is coming soonbringing meal delivery updates, volunteer tracking, and important notifications right to your fingertips. Get ready to experience convenience like never before for both our clients and volunteers!
The importance of calling 911:
Our volunteers are often the first friendly face clients see each day, which also means they may be the first to notice if something isn’t right. In those critical moments, calling 911 immediately can save a life.
If you ever arrive and find a client in distress whether they are unresponsive, appear injured, or are experiencing a medical emergency please do not hesitate. Your quick action is vital.
Do not try to assess the situation on your own. Even if you’re unsure, it is always better to be safe and call 911. Stay with the client until help arrives (if it’s safe to do so).
After calling 911, notify the Meals on Wheels office so we can provide additional support and document the incident.
Remember: You are not only delivering meals, you are also serving as a lifeline. Acting quickly and calling 911 could make all the difference.
A day in the life of a home-delivered meal volunteer
Our dedicated volunteers love to start their day early, knowing that delivery day is special. For many of our clients, this is the highlight of their week: the arrival of seven nourishing dinners and seven breakfasts—hand-delivered with care and compassion.
The process begins the day before, when volunteers receive their routes and client lists. This gives them time to review and prepare for the people they’ll be serving. On delivery day, the morning starts with a round of phone calls to clients. The response is often filled with warmth and anticipation: “Yes, I’ll be home—I’m waiting for you!”
From there, volunteers head to the designated pickup site. Each meal box is carefully checked to ensure every client receives exactly what they need. With cars packed and ready, they set off on their routes, bringing not just meals but also kindness and connection.
Arriving at a client’s home often means more than just dropping off a box. Volunteers greet clients with a smile, share a laugh, or listen to a quick update from the week. Many even help carry meals inside, unpack them, and place items in the refrigerator or freezer if needed. In those small but meaningful moments, true bonds are formed. For some clients, this visit may be the only friendly face they see all week, and that makes the connection even more important.
Before leaving, volunteers ask clients to sign a simple receipt, confirming their meals were received. This small step also ensures our records remain accurate and helps us share the impact of our work with supporters.
Every volunteer’s experience is unique, but the heart of the work is the same: delivering more than just meals. Each visit is a chance to provide companionship, dignity, and care to our neighbors who need it most.
Volunteer Spotlight
what inspires us...
Our volunteers are truly the heart and soul of Meals on Wheels South Florida! Each quarter, we'll highlight a few amazing volunteers, and we're thrilled to introduce our next group! We recently spoke to these superstars about why they chose to give their time to our mission.
John Duvall
John first joined us as a volunteer in 2014 and served faithfully until 2022, when he decided to step away By chance, while visiting a plumbing store one day, he noticed our name on the door. He hadn’t planned on returning, but curiosity led him to ring the bell and that moment brought him back to us.
Since then, John has become one of our most dedicated volunteers once again. He not only covers his own regular route but also steps in as a substitute whenever needed and even helps with urgent, last-minute deliveries.
We are so grateful for John’s commitment, generosity, and the wonderful twist of fate that brought him back to our team!
Volunteer Spotlight
what inspires us...
John and Susan Kerns Joined in June 2017
Every week, cheerful greetings at our clients’ doors come from a dynamic duo: John and Susan. This husband-andwife team has turned volunteering into something even more meaningful - a shared commitment to serving their community, together
Margaret Mead Volunteer Quote
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Whether it’s rain or shine, they show up with kindness, compassion, and a genuine love for the people they serve. For them, delivering meals is about more than food - it’s about connection. Each visit is a chance to share a smile, a few words of encouragement, and the reassurance that someone cares.
Volunteering side by side has made their bond even stronger. What began as a way to give back has become a weekly ritual that they both look forward to.
“It’s something we love doing together,” they often share, “because we know that even a small act of kindness can make a big difference.”
Volunteer Spotlight
what inspires us...
Debbie began volunteering with Meals on Wheels on December 1, 2020 just in time to lend a helping hand during the busy holiday season and support our Holiday Gift Box program. From day one, she has demonstrated exceptional commitment and care for the clients she serves.
She takes the time to truly get to know each client, always going the extra mile to ensure their needs are met. Even when she takes a rare day off, Debbie leaves thoughtful, detailed notes —such as noting if a client is visually impaired or needs help putting items away. Her attentiveness helps ensure a smooth and caring experience for everyone
Debbie Pinto
Debbie is also a reliable presence during special events, making sure her clients receive their deliveries with the same warmth and dedication she shows year-round. Her consistent support and heartfelt service exemplify the spirit and mission of Meals on Wheels.
We are deeply grateful for Debbie’s compassion, reliability, and unwavering commitment to our community.
Volunteer Spotlight
what
inspires us...
It’s a Family Affair –The Duncan Family!
“I wear the badge of volunteer proudly. It is the role that defines me, empowers me, and gives me a purpose beyond myself.”
Don, Diane, Alexander, Emma, and Nicolas (triplets) have been volunteering since June 2021. It was always a pleasure to see all five of them arrive at our Pembroke Pines route between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m. every Wednesday morning to deliver meals to clients in the area.
Not only do they deliver meals, but they also volunteer with the Meals for Companion Pets program every third Saturday of the month. It’s been fascinating to watch the kids grow and head off to college, yet they’ve never forgotten their commitment. Whenever they’re back in town, they reunite with their parents to continue serving the community together.
Volunteer Spotlight
what inspires us...
It’s Toni — greeted with her warm smile and cheerful energy, ready to pick up meals for her clients. Week after week, she looks forward to seeing them, and it shows.
Toni goes above and beyond in every way. Whether she’s delivering meals, lending a hand with our Thanksgiving and Holiday Gift Box programs, or simply showing up with genuine care, her commitment shines through. When one of her clients was at risk of losing service due to a contract not being renewed, Toni didn’t hesitate — she offered to cover the cost herself to ensure they wouldn’t go without.
toni thornton
She sees, understands, and deeply values the impact of our program. Toni embodies the very heart of our mission.
Client Testimonial
"Meals on Wheels has truly been a blessing in my life. Since I live alone and have limited mobility, preparing balanced meals was becoming a real challenge. The volunteers not only bring me nutritious food, but they also bring kindness, conversation, and comfort. I look forward to their visits every week it’s often the highlight of my day. Knowing that someone cares enough to stop by with a smile and a meal makes me feel valued and supported. This program has helped me stay healthy and independent in my own home, and for that, I am deeply grateful."
Mary, Meals on Wheels Client
A heartfelt appreciation to our new volunteers!
We at Meals on Wheels South Florida are incredibly grateful for your hard work. We simply could not do what we do without you.
We would like to extend our warmest appreciation to our new volunteers who recently joined our agency. Thank you for selflessly donating your time to seniors who need it most.
New Volunteers
May
Claudette Kerr-Dove
Julian Flores
Paulette Laing-Taylor
Za’Riya Laing-Taylor
Stephanie Lynn
Deborah Valin
July
Carolina Castro
Shaun Curry
Dave Froelich
Christina Furman
Catherine Lusk
Josh Weissglass
Jamie Weissglass
August
Ellyn Chernin
Valerie Genck
Reagan Gibson
David “Dave” Winer
June
Jeffrey Bloom
Clarissa Bloom
Michael Bourgault
Tyler Bourque
Romina Brito
Clair Calderson
Joi Calderson
Natalie Carillo
Ashley Croyle
Anika Diklich
Ante Daniel Diklich
Claire Diklich
Mercedeze Dunlap
Melissa Faerman
Richard Faerman
September
Mallory Cohen
Shaun Curry
Thomas McCracken
Karin O’Brien
Susan Stocker
June Continued
James Galianese
Kendra Gilbert
Arum Han
Gary Haydu
Maritza Herbert
Isabel Huff
Colleen Hurley
Susan Knaebe
Katherina Matthias
Ami Nunes
Paula Restrepo
Ana Rodriquez
Rosalee Sanderson
Madison Thomas
Andrea Pelt
Thornton
Stanley Thornton
Keljahi Turner
FPL + MOWSOFLO event
June 28, 2025
Once again, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers who helped make this event a success. With the combined efforts of dedicated volunteers from Florida Power & Light and Meals on Wheels, we were able to call and deliver our hurricane meal kits to 250 clients!
Click the link here to view a snippet from that special day, and read our feature in The New Pelican below.
Upcoming Events
You have the power to give back and truly change the life of an older adult in your community. Join us this holiday season and provide critical support to the home-bound seniors we serve.
Thanksgiving Meal Delivery – November 27, 2025
Every Thanksgiving morning, Meals on Wheels South Florida staff and volunteers come together to bring warmth and joy to our senior clients who are home-bound and without family for the holiday.
Volunteers deliver a hot Thanksgiving meal complete with all the trimmings roasted turkey, baked stuffing, seasonal vegetables, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, fresh rolls, and a slice of pumpkin pie. Each delivery also includes a handmade placemat, fresh flowers, and a cheerful holiday greeting to brighten the day.
Volunteers gather at the Meals on Wheels office early Thanksgiving morning to receive their delivery routes and meal packages. Deliveries are completed by 11:00 a.m., giving our volunteers time to enjoy the rest of the holiday with their own families while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Photos from our 2024 Thanksgiving project
Upcoming Events
Holiday Gift Box Delivery: December 15–24, 2025
During the holiday season, Meals on Wheels South Florida selects 50–60 home-bound senior clients to receive a special holiday gift box filled with essential personal care items and household necessities, including:
·Shampoo & conditioner
·Toothbrushes & toothpaste
·Hairbrushes & combs
·Face & body lotion
·Bar soap & body wash
·Laundry & dish washing detergent
·Washcloths
·Hand sanitizer
·Deodorant
·And more!
Volunteers are needed to help wrap and pack the gift boxes and deliver them to clients during the week of December 15th.
Want to Get Involved?
Individuals and corporations can support our programs by making a financial contribution or an in-kind donation through the Meals on Wheels South Florida donation form. Simply select the campaign that speaks to you most.
Your generosity ensures we can bring comfort, care, and nourishment to our most vulnerable neighbors especially during the holiday season
Community Partnerships
Thank you, Toni and Laurie, for attending the “Bridging the Gap” event on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Mt. Herman AME Church. Our agency was thrilled to connect Fort Lauderdale residents with essential resources, helping to effectively bridge the gap between the community’s needs and the organizations that can fulfill them.
Meals on Wheels South Florida is a proud member of Meals on Wheels America Meals on Wheels chapters operate in virtually every community in America through our network of more than 5,000 independently-run local programs. While the diversity of each program's services and operations may vary based on the needs and resources of their communities, they are all committed to supporting their senior neighbors & helping them live healthier, more nourished lives in their own homes.
