For parents and youth leaders learning how to incorporate the Meals on Wheels in to their volunteer experience, there's no better way to ease the transition than with testimonials from people who volunteer today!

A great way to capture the volunteer experience with your kids is to talk about it! Post your delivery story on our Road Trip Blog. It's simple and fun!

Wayne Urbaniak & his Grandkids

Read Wayne's Story

Xavier, Age 4, and his mom, Tami Lee

Read Tami & Xavier's Story (Originally published in the Star Tribune)

Watch a Video of Tami & Xavier Delivering Meals on our YouTube Channel.

Barb B., Volunteer at St. Louis Park Meals on Wheels

"I have been involved with Dinner At Your Door (Meals on Wheels) for over 30 years. I started out as a young mother with 2 toddles in two delivering meals. After a few years, I became the coordinator of the St. Louis Park program and no I work in a supporting role with fundraising and volunteer recruitment. My daughter and granddaughters now live in Madison, WI, and whenever they visit, they will often deliver meals with me. They love going to people's homes and meeting the seniors and, of course, the seniors love meeting two sweet little girls. They often will receive a little treat so they are always hopeful for that. I know my oldest granddaughter, Ella, once said "when I grow up I want to be a Meals on Wheels lady." One big compliment to me is that now my daughter's family deliver meals in Madison, WI evey week. Our children learn from our example more than our words could ever do. Meals on Wheels continues to be a very important part of my life."

Marianne & Jim R., Volunteers & Parents of 4 Children, ages 6-12

"Our family started delivering meals last summer as a way to begin a volunteer activity with our children.  Meals on Wheels is a great family opportunity as even the youngest children can carry a bag or milk.  The recipients are so happy to see the kids!.  It also educates children about family diversity in a non-threatening way.  They see varied types of housing and needs very close to their home. Just when they are getting antsy, your route is over, as each route includes just about 8 houses an is completed in one hour or less.  A wonderful organization."

Stephanie, Age 16

Stillwater Gazette: Originally Published December 18, 2009

"I wanted to spend time with my friends - I didn't want a stereotypical birthday party," says Stillwater Area High School sophomore Kaitlyn Reed.

Kaitlyn didn't even want to receive gifts - she wanted to give gifts away. She decided that for her 16th birthday (Dec. 1), she wanted her to friends to bring a donation for Toys for Tots. "It's so neat how a 16-year-old has done this on her own," said Kaitlyn's mother Kelly Reed. "It bloomed into us renting a bus." She and a group of friends and parents decided to rent a school bus to transport Kaitlyn and her friends to the Toys for Tots drop-off site at the KARE 11 TV station in Golden Valley. To drive the bus he Reeds called on Brian Luke, Stillwater Area High School girls swimming and diving head coach (Katilyn is a member of the team).

Adding a final touch was to have Kaitlyn's grandfather dress up like Santa for the evening's events. With a bus full of nearly 50 people, the group headed to the television station last Friday night to make the official drop-off. About 42 students came and each brought at least one gift, though several brought more than one. "It was pretty brief, but we got to see even more people giving gifts and see what the drive is about," Kaitlyn said. The station regularly features people making donations during the weather segment of the 10 p.m. newscast. Although this group wasn't on TV, Kaitlyn said that wasn't what it was about for her anyway. Her friends' reaction was positive; several are considering similar birthday parties themselves. "Everyone thought it was so fun. They were more excited about giving stuff away," Kaitlyn said. "I would love to do it again."

This isn't the first time she has given her time for a good cause. Kaitlyn has worked on other volunteer projects, including a recent mission trip to Jamaica and Meals on Wheels. She recently heard there was a call for volunteers to deliver Meals on Wheels on Christmas - she told her mother, "We're doing it!"