We are excited to introduce you to Levi - a devoted volunteer at Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud (MOWLB) - whose journey with the greater Meals on Wheels organization spans over a decade. In a recent interview, Levi shared his experiences, insight, and the reasons why he believes in the mission of MOWLB.

A Journey That Began In South Bend

Levi’s volunteer journey with Meals on Wheels began over a decade ago in South bend, Indiana, when a co-worker invited him to join them for a lunchtime volunteer session. This initial introduction to the organization ignited a spark of compassion within him, and Levi decided to get involved. Fast forward to his move to South Larimer County (Berthoud), and it was only natural for him to continue his volunteer work at MOWLB. He signed up to help during the challenging times of COVID and has been an integral part of the MOWLB family ever since.

First Impressions: A Place of Warmth and Good Food

Levi’s first impression of MOWLB was overwhelmingly positive. He described it as a welcoming facility with a friendly staff. What particularly stood out to him was that MOWLB prepared its meals on-site.

“This is by far the best food of all the places I’ve delivered for!”

It’s clear that the quality of the meals plays a role in his long-standing commitment to the cause.

The Challenge of AWareness

One of the challenges that Levi sees in MOWLB’s mission is the need for greater community awareness. He expressed his uncertainty about how well-known the extent of the services provided by the organization is within the community. Raising awareness about the vital role MOWLB plays in the lives of those it serves remains an ongoing challenge for many nonprofits.

Finding Joy in Volunteering

Despite these challenges, Levi finds joy i volunteering at MOWLB. He shared that one of his favorite moments during his deliveries is having some downtime to work on a crossword puzzle while waiting for his meals to be ready for delivery. He also cherishes the weekly conversations he has with the people he delivers to. These interactions bring a sense of fulfillment and connection, making the volunteer experience truly rewarding.

Encouragement to Others

For those considering volunteering or donating to MOWLB, Levi has this message: “I would definitely encourage anyone to join up as a volunteer. It’s a very rewarding experience and it isn’t as time-consuming as one might think. I am able to get through my route within my lunch hour from work.”

His words emphasize that making a difference doesn’t always require a massive time commitment; even a small effort can have a significant impact.

Who Is Levi?

Apart from his commitment to MOWLB, Levi shared some fun facts about himself:

• He’s a self-proclaimed Othello enthusiast, frequently enjoying the strategic board game.

• He’s not your typical middle-aged man - he spends 15-20 hours a week immersed in the world of Fortnite.

When he’s not working or volunteering, Levi enjoys spending time with his family, shuttling his daughters to various activities and sports events. He also maintains an active lifestyle, playing hockey twice a week and hitting the gym to stay healthy.

A Decade of Dedication

Levi’s journey with Meals on Wheels is truly an inspiration. While he has been a volunteer at MOWLB for almost three years, his commitment to the mission and cause spans over 12 years in total!

Levi is a shining example of the impact one person can make when they dedicate their time, energy, and compassion to a worthy cause like Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud. He reminds us that volunteerism isn’t just about giving back but also about forming meaningful connections and finding joy in the process.

We can all take inspiration from this Volunteer Spotlight and consider how we too can make a positive difference in our communities.