Spotlight Stories - Drivers

In working for SNMOW for over a decade, Don has encountered hundreds of clients across the community is a broad range of circumstances.  “Some folks, just say hello and then you’re on your way, others want to spend more time talking.   I try to adjust to what people want on a given day.”

And Don’s support of the pgoramgoes well beyond meal delivery.  SNMOW Executive Director Jaymie Chagnon calls him “one of our biggest cheerleaders in the community. He’s always spreading the news about our work and encouraging people to donate to our agency.”

For his part, Don says “I truly didn’t realize how important this service was to people until I joined.  People look forward to my visits and I know I’m making a difference. . .that’s very rewarding to me.”

“I try to make people laugh,” says Larry, a MOWs driver who works out of the Carpenter Center in Manchester. “Sometimes depending on the client, I’ll think of some jokes in advance. . .it’s a small thing, but I think it means a lot.” Larry first came to MOWs in 2006 and over his 15 years with the agency, has served hundreds of clients across Manchester, Auburn and Bedford-among other towns. In addition to delivering meals, he helps with packaging and set up, often double-checking his client’s meals to ensure they get what they need.

Beyond what he calls “the satisfaction from doing the work,” Larry very much enjoys the team dynamic at Carpenter Center. “It’s a wonderful group of the people,” he shares. “There’s a real sense of camaraderie here.” Like many drivers, Larry is acutely aware of the issues some MOWs clients face around social isolation, especially in the wake of the pandemic. He estimates that a visit can average about 10 minutes, but he’s not one to check the clock when interacting with a client. “I try to spend the time I think they need,” he says.