At Cabarrus Meals on Wheels, we love recognizing and celebrating our volunteers. They are the heart of our mission, helping ensure nutritious meals and friendly visits reach homebound seniors every day. Over the years, we’ve been honored to celebrate volunteers reaching incredible milestones—5, 10, 15, 20, and even 40+ years of service.
But every one of those remarkable milestones started with year one.
This July, we’re proud to celebrate Jim Campbell and his one-year volunteer anniversary! While one year may seem like a small milestone compared to decades of service, it’s where every lasting volunteer journey begins. We’re grateful Jim chose Cabarrus Meals on Wheels as a way to give back to his community, and we’re excited to celebrate the meaningful difference he’s already made in just his first year.
For Jim, volunteering is a family tradition. His parents delivered for Meals on Wheels in Indianapolis, and after retiring from a 40-year career in IT, tutoring English as a second language and teaching computer skills, he wanted to use his newfound free time to give back to his community. That desire led him to Cabarrus Meals on Wheels and one year later, he’s still delivering meals each week and building meaningful relationships with the seniors he serves.
For Jim, the most rewarding part isn’t just the delivery, it’s the connection.
“I enjoy checking in on my regulars. Everyone is so friendly, positive, and grateful. Some people are especially personable and love to chat.”
Over the past year, Jim has gotten to know the clients on his route and even learned the names of their beloved dogs. He enjoys hearing their stories, from local history to personal life experiences, and those conversations have grown into real friendships—leading to church invitations, shared interests, and even connection points as simple as a motorcycle on one of his T-shirts. A motorcycle enthusiast himself, Jim enjoys riding, cycling, hiking, traveling, and spending time outdoors.
When asked why others should volunteer with Meals on Wheels, Jim says, “You’ll have direct contact with so many wonderful people. It’s rewarding to hear their stories and build relationships, especially when you deliver the same route each week. If you enjoy being out and about, it’s a fantastic opportunity and it’s a universal, nonpartisan way to contribute to your community by feeding hungry seniors.”
Jim also points out an unexpected perk of volunteering with Cabarrus Meals on Wheels; you quickly become familiar with your community, learning the neighborhoods and roads that make up Cabarrus County while serving your neighbors.
Jim originally committed to volunteering for one year, and we’re thrilled that he plans to continue delivering smiles, meals, and friendly visits!
Thank you, Jim, for your dedication, compassion, and the countless lives you’ve touched over the past year. Happy Volunteer Anniversary!
💙 Inspired by Jim’s story? Join our volunteer team by submitting your volunteer profile today! Click here to learn more about volunteering with Cabarrus Meals on Wheels.
