Hendrick Health employees enjoy volunteering for Meals on Wheels

For more than two decades, Hendrick Health employees have been delivering Meals on Wheels (MOW) during their lunchtime every weekday (except holidays when MOW is closed).

The community project is obviously beneficial to the residents on the healthcare system’s regular MOW route.

“We may be the only person they see that day,” said Doreen Dry, Human Resources business partner at Hendrick Health who helps coordinate the healthcare system’s MOW volunteers. “If by me handing them that meal and taking a short moment to chat and laugh with them has an impact on their well-being, then that is all that matters.”

Working with MOW nourishes the Hendrick Health employees, too.

“It doesn’t matter what kind of day I am personally having, at that moment seeing their smile and knowing they are thankful makes my volunteering all worthwhile,” said Dry, who has been a MOW volunteer for approximately three years.

Serving MOW recipients also builds meaningful community ties, said Ethan Shepherd, director of talent acquisition and development at Hendrick Health.

“Delivering Meals on Wheels is rewarding to me because I am getting to show the love of Jesus Christ and the heart of Hendrick by serving our neighbors,” said Shepherd. “Taking the time to greet them by name, wish them a happy birthday or thank them for their military service helps build a personal connection.”

Hendrick Health employees who volunteer for MOW come from multiple departments and areas, including Human Resources, physician clinics, nursing, Hendrick Radiography School and Hendrick Health Club. Their time collectively represents approximately 40 hours a month devoted to picking up and delivering the meals.

“I am so thankful and blessed to work for an organization that gives back to its community,” said Dry.