Volunteer Spotlight: Linda Alvine
Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud is lucky to have a volunteer like Linda Alvine. Her kind and compassionate manner make her a favorite of the staff, her volunteer colleagues, and clients alike. She is dedicated to helping others and brightening the lives of those around her - like when she and her delivery partner take cakes and cupcakes to the clients on their route when it’s their birthdays. What a great example of her generous spirit!
How long have you been a Meals on Wheels volunteer?
9 years
Linda Alvine is a long-time Thursday meal delivery driver for Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud.
Tell how you first got involved with Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud.
My friend, Kathy (sic), and I were discussing volunteer opportunities at non-profit agencies in Loveland. Since I was familiar with the Meals on Wheels program due to my involvement with the United Way, we decided on Meals on Wheels. We made a call to Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud, set up an appointment, and left the orientation meeting assigned to driving on Thursdays each week!
What was your first impression of Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud?
Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud is a very efficient and caring organization providing nutritional meals to older adults, five days a week. It provides a needed service in the Loveland and Berthoud communities.
What do you find most challenging about the cause and mission of Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud?
Continuing to provide a nutritional meal as a non-profit and finding new ways to fund the program.
What is your favorite part about volunteering at Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud?
The friendliness of the staff and all of the volunteers. Knocking on a client’s door, seeing the appreciation and smiling faces when they open the door.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering or donating to Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud?
Just do it! Volunteering is very rewarding, knowing you are making a difference by delivering a hot meal and a short conversation. Meals on Wheels is a nonprofit that makes every donation count. This is a valuable service that they provide to our older adult community. Please donate!
Just do it!
Volunteering is very rewarding!
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
At 5 feet tall, I played high school basketball in Iowa. Also, from the age of 5, my family and I showed Shetland ponies and horses across Iowa.
What do you do when you aren’t working or volunteering at Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud?
My husband and I are fortunate to have our three children and nine grandchildren living in Loveland. We have tried to attend most of the grandchildren’s activities from elementary through high school, including competitive cheer, basketball, swimming, tennis, and orchestra, band, and vocal concerts.
I have also completed scrapbooks for the four grandchildren who have graduated high school and continue to work on those who are still in high school.
Thank you, Linda, for sharing your time and kind heart with everyone at Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud!
Meals on Wheels could not do what it does without the dedication and care of it’s many volunteers. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer for Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud, please fill out our Volunteer Application here.