United Way of Central Alabama’s (UWCA) 2025 Loaned Executive (LE) class recently stepped out of the office and into the kitchen. As part of their 13-week leadership experience, the group spent a day volunteering with United Way Meals on Wheels, preparing meals and delivering them directly to clients’ doors.
Each year, United Way partners with local organizations to select employees who serve as Loaned Executives. Over the course of the program, these professionals leave their day-to-day roles to lead workplace campaigns, strengthen their leadership skills and gain a firsthand look at how United Way and its partners create impact in the community.
Meals on Wheels Is About More than Food
That is what brought this year’s class into the Meals on Wheels kitchen, where they joined staff to pack both hot and shelf-stable meals before heading out on delivery routes. With Program Director April McMaster there to guide the process, they quickly discovered that the program is about far more than food.
“While delivering, volunteers are also ensuring their clients’ safety,” McMaster said. “If a client does not answer, or if they seem extra confused, volunteers let our case managers know so we can follow up. This is about food safety and making sure our clients are okay.”
She recalled one instance when a volunteer reported a client not answering the door. When staff followed up, they discovered she had fallen and had been alone for hours. Because of that volunteer’s quick action, she was able to get to the hospital in time.
In 2024, Meals on Wheels served 1,264 clients and delivered more than 237,000 meals. Behind each of those numbers is a person waiting for more than a delivery. They are waiting for connection.
“For some clients, the Loaned Executives may be the only people they see that day,” McMaster said. “We hear from clients who get up and get dressed for the volunteers. It is bittersweet, but it speaks to how important this is.”
Finding Meaning in Every Delivery
That importance became clear to the LEs the moment they reached their first stops, with some joining longtime Meals on Wheels Kitchen Aide and Delivery Driver Joe Young on his route. Each delivery, which takes about an hour from start to finish, included not only meals but handwritten cards the LEs had prepared.
“Working with United Way Meals on Wheels and particularly with clients has been one of the most humbling experiences of my life,” Young told them. “I don’t think you really understand or appreciate what it is all about until you go into someone’s home and see them bedridden or unable to get around.”
For some, the day struck a personal chord. Shondreka Ford of Southern Company, who helps care for her aging mother, reflected on the comfort that comes with a simple visit.
“I know how much a warm meal and a caring face can mean, especially for someone who is aging or living alone,” she said. “I was grateful to be part of that and help make someone’s day.”
Fellow LE and Alabama Power employee DeKayla Johnson shared a similar perspective. “It is really moving to see how dropping off a meal and saying ‘hi’ puts a smile on their face. It was only a couple minutes of my time, but it may be the only social interaction they have today.” She was so touched that she hopes to continue volunteering after her LE term ends.
Experiencing United Way’s Mission in Action
Spending the day with Meals on Wheels gave the Loaned Executives a chance to step outside their usual roles, connect with clients and see the work of United Way up close in our community. By witnessing the impact of United Way in action, Loaned Executives now have a deeper understanding of the work they are helping to support during their 13-week term.
To learn more or get involved with Meals on Wheels, click here or call 1-800-AGE-LINE to learn more or to be screened for UWAAA’s senior services.