Celebrating Community and Legacy Through Meals on Wheels
For Melissa Welte, volunteering with Meals on Wheels has always been more than just a way to serve her community - it holds a deep and personal connection to her late father. Through her time with Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud and her cherished memories of her dad, Melissa’s story is a beautiful blend of community, compassion, and legacy.
A photo of Melissa Welte and her beloved Father sits next to the People’s Choice donation box for her 1963 Chevy C10 Pickup. Melissa, a former Meals on Wheels volunteer, was proud to show her Father’s beloved pick up trucks at the Wheels 4 Meals Car Show.
Melissa’s volunteering journey with meals on wheels
Melissa first discovered Meals on Wheels in 2008 when she moved to Lafayette, Colorado. As someone who loved cooking and baking, she was drawn to the idea of helping to prepare meals in the Coal Creek Meals on Wheels which serves Lafayette, Louisville, Erie, and Superior. “I’ve always enjoyed cooking, so it was fun trying delicious new recipes that were being served to clients,” she shared. Volunteering at Coal Creek Meals on Wheels became a way for Melissa to meet new people who shared her passion for food and community service, all while adjusting to her new life in Colorado.
As time passed and life took its course, Melissa and her Fiance, Galen, moved to Loveland. Though her schedule changed, her desire to volunteer did not. This time, Melissa wanted to connect more personally with Meals on Wheels clients, so she and her Fiance began delivering meals as substitute drivers. Together, they enjoyed every interaction - whether it was with fellow volunteers or the grateful clients they met along their routes. “I can’t think of a better way to get familiar with a new city and meet a great group of caring individuals,” Melissa recalled.
Melissa Welte (formerly, Meyers) and her now husband, Galen, stand beside one of her father’s restored pick ups. Melissa’s father restored his 1963 Chevy Pickup in the late 80’s, tearing it down to the frame and completely rebuilding it back. He spent countless hours working on it, modifying it and adding special touches to truly make it a work of art. 7 years ago, Galen, bought the 1963 Chevy from Melissa’s father and gave it to her for a wedding gift - knowing how sentimental it was to her.
A Return to Colorado: Honoring Her Father’s Legacy
In recent years, Melissa’s journey took her to Missouri, where she moved to care for her beloved father. This time spent with him was precious, filled with laughter and storytelling, often centered around her dad’s lifelong passion for cars and trucks. One of their favorite memories was restoring a 1963 Chevy Pickup, a vehicle they took to countless car shows throughout Illinois.
“My dad had an incredible love for cars, especially his 1963 Chevy Pickup. We spent nearly every weekend driving to car shows. He restored the truck from the ground up, and it was a source of pride for him.” Every weekend spent at car shows, laughing, eating, and meeting new people, became cherished moments that brought the two even closer.
A photo album of Melissa’s memories sits on display along with Melissa’s cherished 1968 Chevy Pickup - lovingly restored by her father and given to her as a wedding gift from her husband, Galen.
When Melissa’s father passed away in July, she found herself longing to honor his memory in a meaningful way. It was during this difficult time that the Wheels 4 Meals event in Colorado appeared as a perfect opportunity. Melissa decided to bring her father’s beloved trucks to the event, displaying them alongside cherished photos, to share a piece of his life with others. “It‘s been bittersweet being back in Colorado. Sadly, my dad passed away in July, and I love Colorado more than anything, but I also know the only reason I’m here right now is because my dad is gone. I wanted Dad to make one more trip out to Colorado before he passed away, but due to health issues, we couldn’t make it happen. He talked about how beautiful Colorado was all the time.”
A Lifelong Connection to Meals on Wheels
Melissa’s connection to Meals on Wheels runs deep, rooted in the example set by her father. He was a Maintenance Superintendent at a housing development in Illinois where the local Meals on Wheels operated. From a young age, Melissa witnessed her dad’s commitment to helping others - whether it was cooking meals, delivering them, or even sharing lunch with the local Meals on Wheels team. “He always treated everyone with respect and was always willing to help anyone in need,” she shared proudly. Melissa’s father had such a giving spirit - reflecting on this, one can see how volunteering not only strengthens community connections but also provides a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
Wheels 4 Meals: A Bittersweet Tribute
The Wheels 4 Meals show marked a turning point in Melissa’s healing process. With her father’s trucks on display and stories of their shared car show memories, she felt his presence in every interaction. “I grew up going to car shows with my dad, and many of our memories revolve around the food at these events,” she shared. “We’d celebrate when he won a whole cake or pie in a cakewalk - grabbing plates and forks to sit around the truck indulging in his prize!” Melissa shared that her whole family is a bunch of foodies and so many memories are associated with food. “Wheels 4 Meals is the perfect event, spending the day looking at gorgeous vehicles and raising money to share delicious, nutritional food with others in our community.”
Melissa’s story is a reminder of how community and legacy are woven together. Through her ongoing connection with Meals on Wheels and her dedication to honoring her father, Melissa has found a way to keep his memory alive while continuing to make a difference in the lives of others. Meals on Wheels is not just about delivering meals - it’s about building relationships, honoring those we love, and strengthening the communities we call home.
