Gerry Shannon has been a volunteer Meals on Wheels driver with Vivalon for four years. When he began, he didn’t realize how lonely many older neighbors could be—or how much one warm meal and a friendly knock could mean.
Before volunteering, Gerry spent 33 years as a San Francisco firefighter. He found deep satisfaction in helping people—guiding families out of burning homes, rescuing the proverbial cat from a tree, and saving lives in the aftermath of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Those experiences shaped him profoundly, yet the joy he both gives and receives as a Meals on Wheels volunteer has become just as meaningful.
“Nothing compares to the joy I both give and receive as a Meals on Wheels volunteer.”
After Gerry retired, his wife became ill, and he spent six years caring for her. Following her passing, he felt adrift and unsure how to move forward. One day, a sign on the back of a Vivalon bus caught his eye. He called, learned that drivers were needed right away, completed the paperwork, and soon began delivering meals—unsure what to expect.
On his weekly routes, Gerry quickly discovered that he delivers more than nutritious food. He brings conversation, kindness, and connection. Often, he’s the only person someone sees all week. Over time, many clients have become dear friends. As he puts it, they give him as much as he gives them.
“Often, I’m the only person someone sees all week.”
One of those friends is Jack, a self-described nomad and both a Marine and Air Force veteran. Over the years, Jack has also been a surfer, dart aficionado, carpenter, school bus driver, medical lab technician, and airplane mechanic. Gerry looks forward to their conversations every week.
Recently, Gerry asked Jack about Meals on Wheels. Jack explained: “I started getting Meals on Wheels several years ago. I couldn’t really cook for myself anymore or get to the grocery store. I live on less than $1,000 a month and was mostly eating cereal and sandwiches. So, the food is welcome – but even better are our visits, Gerry, you’re pretty much the only person I talk with all week.” Jack added, “I love that we have so much in common, like when we both used to surf, even on the same beaches down in Oceanside! Too bad we didn’t know each other back then.”
Jack’s stories—and his love of flying—have inspired Gerry in unexpected ways. Because of Jack, Gerry decided to take flying lessons, a step he might never have taken without their friendship.
Hundreds of older adults in Marin rely on this program to stay nourished, healthy, and less isolated.
Funding to provide meals for older adults is always under pressure, even as need grows. Hundreds of older adults in Marin rely on the program to stay nourished, healthy, and less isolated. Without community support, many would go without. With the holidays approaching, Gerry hopes readers will consider helping ensure more people like Jack receive the meals and companionship they deserve.
A visit from a volunteer like Gerry today brings comfort and connection right when it’s needed most—and gives people like Jack the friendship and nourishment we all rely on. Click here to watch Gerry’s story.
Ways to Support Our Older Neighbors This Holiday Season
Donate
Gerry sees firsthand the difference your support makes. Every dollar helps ensure no homebound older adult in our community is left hungry or alone.
- Give online here.
- By phone: 415-456-9062 x4800
- By mail: 930 Tamalpais Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901
You can also:
- Join our Supper Club – become a monthly donor and provide year-round nourishment and connection for older adults.
- Give through a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)
- Make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA
- Donate stock or securities
Volunteer
- Want to make a hands-on difference like Gerry? Volunteering with Meals on Wheels is one of the most rewarding ways to give back. Even one day a week can brighten lives—yours included. Contact: [email protected] 415-456-9067
- Click here to learn more and sign up.
