This local veteran found new life through service—here’s how

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Cassidy Bonner is a U.S. Marine veteran who was looking for a new volunteer opportunity after the pandemic hit. He thought he’d volunteer with Meals on Wheels for a couple of months and that would be it. Instead, he just celebrated his three-year anniversary as a volunteer and has no plans of ever stopping. Read on to learn why he loves what he does.

He’s volunteered with Meals on Wheels for three years

Meals on Wheels, a program of United Way of Central Alabama, is a huge part of the central Alabama community, serving more than 4,000 meals per week to homebound seniors in Jefferson County. When Cassidy began volunteering with Meals on Wheels, he never expected he’d still be doing it three years later.

“I had never worked with seniors, but I very quickly fell in love with it and see myself here as long as I’m in Birmingham.”

Cassidy Bonner, Volunteer, Meals on Wheels

Cassidy puts a little of his own spin on volunteer work. For him, a typical day of volunteering starts with a trip to the Piggly Wiggly – to buy pet food. He told us that many of his seniors have dogs and cats that bring them great joy. But he doesn’t want the clients to give their meals to their pets (in case they can’t afford pet food themselves). So, he always brings food for the dogs and cats to make sure “everyone” is taken care of.

His Meals on Wheels route through the Kingston neighborhood, just north of North Avondale and west of Woodlawn, has made him feel like a part of the community.

“My route is in an area of high need. Many people in the community hangout outside during the day and initially were skeptical about what I was doing there. Over time, I’ve connected with those people and now they let me know if my seniors have a doctor’s appointment, are not feeling well, etc. I notice things in the community and care about things I never noticed before.”

Cassidy Bonner, Volunteer, Meals on Wheels

Learn more about volunteering with Meals on Wheels.

Human connection is what it’s all about

The relationships Cassidy has built with his seniors are what has kept him coming back week after week.

“They care about me as much as I care about them. During the winter, if I deliver to them and I’m not wearing a jacket, they will go back into their homes and try to find me something to wear.

They know about my wife’s breast cancer. Once a year she’ll use her work volunteer day to go on my route with me, so they’ve met her, know her story and ask about her regularly. It’s one of the most amazing things I’ve ever been a part of.”

Cassidy Bonner, Volunteer, Meals on Wheels

Cassidy said he gets just as much, if not more, out of Meals on Wheels as his seniors do—from hearing their firsthand accounts of the Civil Rights era to just seeing how much they care for him.

“I love what I do. If you’re thinking about volunteering with Meals on Wheels, take it from me: it will be the most rewarding experience you’ll ever have.”

Cassidy Bonner, Volunteer, Meals on Wheels

Sign up to volunteer with Meals on Wheels today.

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