Straight from The Dish: Volunteer Spotlight - Jean Decker

Sharing Stories of Volunteer Impact

Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud could not run without the dedication and support of it’s many volunteers. One of the volunteers that helps our operations run so smoothly is Jean Decker. 

Volunteering is in Jean’s blood! Jean grew up in a suburb of Baltimore. She has memories of her Mother volunteering in the kitchen for their local Meals on Wheels organization. As a 20-year volunteer, Jean’s Mother served as an ambassador for the organization - always telling others what a great organization it was. When Jean stopped traveling for work every week, she made it her priority to volunteer more, and Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud was the first organization she considered volunteering for.

We had a chance to ask Jean about her volunteer experience, and here is what she had to say:

What was your first impression of Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud?

I was very positively impressed with the paid staff and volunteers - they are great people with unflagging dedication.

What is your favorite part about volunteering at Meals on Wheels?

I enjoy it all! I am grateful that I get to do a variety of support activities, but I have to say - I like packing out the coolers the best.

Jean’s favorite volunteer role is packing out the meal delivery coolers.

What do you find most challenging about our cause and mission at MOWLB?

I think a lot of the local population do not understand the mission and who we can serve. People I talk to don’t understand that MOW is available to everyone in need.

What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering or donating to MOWLB?

It’s a phenomenal place to work and a terrific organization to donate to! Helping local folks is so much better than sending money to an organization that you don’t have any connection to and often wonder what the donation goes to.

What might someone be surprised to know about you?

I am a chemical engineer by trade. I still work part-time on environmental compliance projects for industrial clients.

What do you do when you aren’t working/volunteering at MOWLB?

Work at my other job, read, needlework, hang out with my old man and my furry kids!

Jean has been a MOWLB volunteer for about a year and is intending to continue to do so for many more years to come!