Joe Gall is a senior program manager for the City of Beaverton. As part of his job he manages neighborhood and community programs. So when he talked with Beaverton Loaves & Fishes Center Manager Rebekah Albert and learned that she could use some Meals-On-Wheels drivers, the project was right up his alley. Joe organized a team of 12 City workers who trade off delivering meals in Beaverton every Thursday. They’ve been delivering for about 18 months.

“I like chatting with the older people,” Cindy Tatham said. “They’ve always got something interesting to say.”

“It feels good to make the deliveries,” said
Holly Thompson. “We’re helping out – and

Team members include, from left to right: Doug Colling, Jennifer Polley, Andrew Carlstrom, Cindy Tatham, Holly Thompson, Janet Young, Jerry Allen and Stephen Sykes. Not pictured are Joe Gall, Christy Herr and Jayne Scott.

we get to play with their dogs!”

“It’s a real break from the daily routine of the job,” said Jerry Allen. “The people we deliver to are always so grateful for the meals we bring.”

“I like to get out and see the people in my community,” said Stephen Sykes.

Jennifer Polley summed it up by saying, “We’re fulfilling a real need in the community. We’re reaching out and providing not only a lifeline in the food we bring, but the chance for homebound seniors to talk with someone during the day. They just need that little bit of extra help.”