As Meals on Wheels celebrates 10 years with United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA), the program is highlighting the volunteers who deliver meals and the neighbors who receive them. Their stories reflect the heart of this work — how a simple meal can foster connection, dignity and hope. One of those volunteers is Linda Stone.
Answering the Call to Serve
Linda began volunteering with Meals on Wheels in 2018, shortly after retiring. After more than 30 years of serving children and families as a physician at Children’s of Alabama Over the Mountain Pediatrics, she was looking for a meaningful way to continue giving back.
“I heard about Meals on Wheels at my church Canterbury United Methodist,” Linda said. “They were looking for volunteers to cover a route. I had plenty of time on my hands, and I thought this would be a good way to give back to the community.”
Today, Linda delivers meals about once a week, including a frozen meal route every other Wednesday.
In about an hour to an hour and a half, she delivers to nine homes. Investing that short amount of time has proven to be as rewarding to Linda as it is to those she visits.
“I have loved every minute of Meals on Wheels,” she said. “I consider the clients my friends. They want to know what’s going on in my life, and I talk to them about what’s going on in theirs. It’s just been a rich blessing in my life.”
What the Delivery Means at Home
For Paulette Carmichael, one of Linda’s clients, Meals on Wheels has been a lifeline. The program helps Paulette stretch her limited budget and ensures she has access to nutritious food.
“It’s a blessing because it supplements what I would not have had,” Paulette said.
She also said that the benefits of Meals on Wheels goes beyond food. Volunteers have taken out her garbage, checked on her well-being and surprised her with thoughtful gestures such as baking Christmas cookies and delivering birthday cards.
When asked what she would say to the volunteers and supporters who make Meals on Wheels possible, Paulette did not hesitate.
“Don’t leave me and do not change,” she said. “Please don’t, because they make my day. They make me feel good.”
Continuing the Work Across Jefferson County
As Meals on Wheels marks a decade as a United Way of Central Alabama program, stories such as Linda’s and Paulette’s demonstrate that this work is about more than delivering meals. It is neighbors helping neighbors — strengthening relationships, preserving dignity and ensuring that older adults across Central Alabama are not forgotten.
To learn more about Meals on Wheels and how you can get involved, click here.