Volunteer Spotlights

Jacquelyine has been a core member of our bread packing team since the very beginning of our warehouse operations. For the past year and a half, she has faithfully volunteered three days a week, helping to bag bread for our community. Her dedication and servant’s heart truly embody the spirit of selfless giving.

Jacquelyine moved to New Hampshire 10 years ago to care for a sick friend—a decision that speaks volumes about her character. With more than 25 years of experience as a nurse, including four profoundly impactful years at the St. Agnes Burn Center, Jacquelyine has always lived a life of service. She has also cooked breakfast for neighbors in need, continuing to show up for others in meaningful and personal ways.

When asked what the most rewarding part of volunteering is, Jacquelyine says, "It's the satisfaction of doing something for someone else." Her advice to anyone considering volunteering: “Even if it’s just an hour a week—do it!”

Jacquelyine’s warmth and kindness shine through in everything she does. She welcomes new volunteers with open arms and has helped foster lasting friendships in the production room. One moment that stands out was her compassionate response to a fellow volunteer who struggled with frustration—Jacquelyine consistently showed patience, respect, and genuine care.

Cynthia has been a dedicated volunteer for 10 years. After retiring, she found herself asking, "What can I do with my time to help people out?" That question led her to volunteering with Meals on Wheels, where she has made a significant impact. For Cynthia, the most rewarding part of volunteering has been helping those who can no longer provide meals for themselves.

With a decade of experience, Cynthia has witnessed firsthand the importance of wellness checks and the critical need for Meals on Wheels services. "More than a meal" rings true, as over the years, she has observed the loneliness and isolation many face. Her dedication has made a profound difference in the lives of those she helps.

Her advice for prospective volunteers is simple but meaningful: "Consider what is involved with this opportunity and be willing to make the commitment to do the job the way it should be done."

As she puts it, "The participants change, but the need is always there," which is why she continues to volunteer and make a difference in the community.

Thank you for a decade of commitment to Meals on Wheels and our participants Cynthia!

Cyrilla has been with us since Halloween 2023 and, in just a short time, has made a lasting impact through her time volunteering. ⁠

On her first day, Cyrilla jumped right in by assisting with entering data for client surveys. Since then, she has volunteered in various ways, from helping us in the office to working on special projects, like organizing raffle baskets for Community Dinners, not to mention hand-crafting 1,200 holiday wreath ornaments! ⁠

Cyrilla shares that the most rewarding part about volunteering at Meals on Wheels is utilizing her skills and talents to support the organization’s efforts, ultimately benefiting the people who rely on Meals on Wheels. She knows that all that she does goes directly to older adults, making volunteering so meaningful. ⁠

Cyrilla would encourage anyone considering volunteering with HCMOW to jump in, stating that it’s a fantastic opportunity to work alongside a team that values your time and efforts, no matter how big or small. “You’ll feel appreciated and leave each day with a sense of accomplishment,” Cyrilla shared. ⁠

Her volunteering goes beyond Meals on Wheels of Hillsborough County. She volunteers for other organizations, such as Operation Care for Troops NH, AWARE of NH, Boxes of Love for the Homeless, and the Red Cross.

Thank you, Cyrilla, for your dedication to making a difference in our Community. We are incredibly grateful for your time and all the lives that you have impacted in the process!⁠

Rodney is a driven individual with an impressive four-year run at the Senior Olympics and a remarkable collection of twelve medals from participating in track and field and golf!

Rodney's heart for giving back to his community knows no limits! He volunteers for the Town of Merrimack and the Merrimack Police Department, and for 3-years running, he has been a volunteer driver here at Meals on Wheels.

Rodney makes a difference in his community with every meal delivered. Through his experience delivering meals in Merrimack, he realizes some of the challenges facing our older neighbors. Rodney reflects, “You don’t know what they are dealing with behind the closed door, such as health issues, mobility, financial, or isolation.”

Rodney's advice to anyone thinking about volunteering is to do it! Give it a try! No matter how much time you can give or what you can do, you can make a difference.

These two sisters have been volunteering for Meals on Wheels for over 22 years combined! Aline began volunteering after seeing her stepson and his mother work for Meals on Wheels and later she recruited Lorraine to join her.

During the COVID pandemic, Aline and Lorraine increased their time to 5 days a week to help with staffing shortages, a commitment that Aline has generously continued to this day. Lorraine joins her sister 3 days a week, and the two sisters together shine with their amazingly positive attitudes and quick-witted humor. They brighten the days of staff and volunteers during the morning packing of meals, and are a wonderful example of what our mission of giving is all about.

Aline continues to volunteer because of how rewarding the work is, saying “Helping people less fortunate, knowing they are getting a meal, makes me feel good.” Her compassion for older adults is contagious.

Lorraine offered this advice for future volunteers: “It’s a great way to start the day. Getting up in the morning, I know I have a purpose.”

Aline summed up their volunteering perfectly when she said “Kindness costs nothing, but it is very important.”

Thank you Aline and Lorraine for the kindness you show each day to your community, and for your generous spirit. Meals on Wheels could not complete our mission without people like you!

Meet Elaine Bloom, an HCMOW driver delivering meals since 1998. Fast forward 25 years and she proudly holds the title of our longest-serving volunteer! Elaine convinced her husband Harvey to join her after 10 years, and together they have a combined 40 years serving the folks of Merrimack.

Elaine worked as a Medical Lab Tech for years and started her own cleaning business, while Harvey worked as an engineer and helped with the books for the cleaning business. They are an amazing team. Elaine expressed her appreciation for the clients and the reason she keeps going.

“I love the people I deliver to. They are such sweethearts.”

And they have no plans of slowing down anytime soon. “It’s not over yet. We have more things to do” says Elaine. This dynamic duo are the definition of commitment, and we couldn’t be more grateful that they choose to dedicate their time to the Meals on Wheels family. Thank you so much Elaine & Harvey for all you’ve done, and for being such excellent examples of selfless service to those in need!

Eiric has always had the heart of a volunteer. After serving in the Marines for 5 years, Eiric chose to volunteer with the Army. More recently, Eiric retired from teaching Pre-Engineering, Draft/Design, and other subjects at Alvirne High School after 18 years. Eiric wanted to give back to the community and chose Meals on Wheels, stating: “The people here are very helpful and supportive.”

When he isn’t delivering meals, you will likely find Eiric on his bicycle. He is an avid CycleCross competitor and has been participating in the sport for over 30 years. “It’s never easy, and that’s what I like about it” says Eiric. Cyclecross has taken Eiric as far as Belgium to compete.

Thank you for your service to our country and to the participants of Meals on Wheels Eiric!