Throughout San Francisco, dedicated neighbors volunteer their time to help seniors and people with disabilities get the resources and support they need to age and thrive in their own homes and neighborhoods. We will be featuring some of their stories in our newsletter each month.
Michael and his sister Megan have been delivering healthy groceries to participants in CLC’s Park Merced/University Park food network since 2010. Michael enjoys the personal connections he’s made with participants—and adds, “it’s more than a food delivery – we become part of each other’s lives. We share the joys and frustrations of life.”
Megan describes what a big difference the groceries make for the participants. When they delivered a special holiday turkey and fixings from Glide Memorial Church to one resident, “…he gazed upon the food-laden cart we pushed up to his apartment, he clasped his hands together, looked up toward heaven, and mouthed, ‘Thank you, God.’ His countenance changed as he animatedly explained that his family would be eating well for days to come.”
Carlos came to SF as a teenager from Lima, Peru. He has been packing and delivering groceries in the Parkmerced/University Park food network program for the past several years. One of his favorite delivery stops is a special Grandmother who cooks for every member of her family, grand children and great grandchildren—-she’s always cooking. “She feeds everybody,” Carlos shared. “If we ever having anything extra, I’m sure to give it to her.” Carlos’s caring smile along with the pantry goods makes every delivery extra special.
Make 2016 the year you volunteer or get involved in your community. Chances are good you will change someone’s life for the better—starting with your own! For more information about volunteer opportunities, email us at info@sfcommunityliving.org.