By Laura Boles, President/CEO Mobile Meals, Spartanburg, SC
When I joined Mobile Meals last April as its new President, it quickly became evident to me that volunteers are the backbone of this ministry. Without the generous donation of time and talent from volunteers each day, Mobile Meals simply wouldn’t exist. This revelation, however, wasn’t entirely new to me—I first fell in love with this organization as a volunteer myself, serving as a driver for several years. During that time, I cherished the conversations and genuine connections I formed with wonderful individuals, often generations older than myself and from diverse communities.
Volunteering might seem simple at first glance, but it’s a deeply meaningful and multifaceted commitment. Volunteers generously take on tasks without expectation of compensation, motivated purely by the joy and blessing that comes from helping others. More significantly, volunteering builds profound relationships with those being served. As a faith-based ministry, we see volunteering as a reflection of Christ’s love, a calling shared by many who choose to dedicate their time to Mobile Meals.
Across the country, senior meal delivery programs are struggling more than ever to recruit volunteers. In today’s fast-paced world, service and community connection are often overshadowed by busy schedules and digital interactions. People have become less accustomed to face-to-face connections, trading meaningful personal interactions for virtual ones. At Mobile Meals, the need for volunteers never ends. We constantly seek dedicated individuals to deliver meals, transport food to county-wide drop sites, help in our kitchen, and assist with clerical tasks in our office. Fortunately, Spartanburg County’s unique community spirit has enabled us to fill many of these roles. Our residents prioritize caring for neighbors, ensuring that no one experiences isolation, loneliness, or hunger.
Recently, a dedicated volunteer reminded me that the people we serve are the very individuals who helped build our community—former teachers, principals, factory workers, police officers, doctors, nurses, bankers, and so many others. They deserve our support, enabling them to age with dignity and comfort in their own homes.
Giving just an hour of your day is a small yet impactful way to pay it forward, delivering not only a warm meal but also the priceless gift of companionship and connection. Every individual deserves to see a friendly face and hear a caring voice each day, knowing they’re not alone.
Volunteering gives purpose to our lives. It encourages us to step outside our comfort zones, taking us into neighborhoods and communities we might otherwise never visit. Through volunteering, we break down social and economic barriers, finding common ground in our shared humanity. In a world often eager to highlight our differences, volunteering swiftly bridges divides and unites us.
We remain incredibly grateful for our community’s willingness to generously share their time and compassion, delivering love and nourishment daily to thousands of neighbors. Your volunteer service makes all the difference.
