This month, we want to spotlight Jim, who has been one of our volunteer delivery drivers for Senior Meals! As a retiree, Jim explains the impact volunteering has had on him: “It puts me in touch with a wider cross-section of my community and gives me a broader view of society in general”. One of his memorable moments at HIP is interestingly connected with gaining a broader societal view. Describing this instance, he states: 

“I have a 20-year-old Aston Martin, an exotic 2-seat sports car that gets driven on weekends and to car shows. The starter gave out on my truck and my wife was at work with our main car, so the Aston became a delivery vehicle. Not a function Aston Martin had in mind when it designed the car. It performed surprisingly well, but I felt pretty awkward delivering meals in a vehicle originally purchased by some very wealthy person at a price that, in 2004, still could have gotten you a house in Seattle. I keep thinking that the situation merits some sort of wry social commentary but I’m not sure what it is.”

Several issues that personally came to mind included systemic issues such as increasing wealth inequality, unaffordable housing, and food insecurity. 

He further voiced his observations and belief system and expressed it as a fundamental human obligation to give to those who are less fortunate. Volunteering at HIP, he explains, is the one thing he can do to fulfill that obligation. Through a referral from Catholic Community Service, Jim has been with us since May 2023 and we couldn’t be happier for it! 

Thank you for sticking with us Jim! We cannot express enough gratitude for your help with Senior Meals and the impact that you have on the community!