Meals on Wheels Dispatch Volunteer Exemplifies Service

The first adjective that pops to mind when the name Michael Peters is mentioned is “dependable.” But there’s so much more to Mike than this. I have known Mike for nine years, since he began volunteering with MAS to help me set up and provide the twice monthly MAS Roaming Congregate Lunches. Mike was a central part of these lunches for six years until Covid-19 put the brakes on them. Mike’s volunteer work has also included assisting with our farmers market coupon program during multiple summers. He also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity for a bit, collecting donated furniture from the community. Again, a job he put his heart into—and his head… just ask him about the large appliance that tried to mow him down on a loading ramp.

Now Mike is our daily Meals on Wheels Dispatch volunteer. He brings the same energy and tenacity to this job as any of his other endeavors. Mike is the first one at the site, immediately getting organized for the work ahead. He understands what’s needed to get 21 routes’ worth of meals on the road, deftly managing all the racks of food, bringing them up to the main dispatch dock by the elevator, then returning them to the lower level of the Providence Center once emptied. Mike’s intuitiveness to the needs of the volunteer drivers and his quick resolution to these needs gives our staff the freedom to address the other logistics of each day’s meal deliveries.

It's no surprise that Mike is a retired train engineer. Not only does he look the part, but he is not one to tarry when it comes to problem-solving and putting alternate plans into action. Although he is not dealing with 200-ton locomotives anymore, he approaches his volunteer work with the same seriousness and dedication. Mike’s commitment to Meals on Wheels, to the volunteer delivery drivers, and ultimately, to the clients we serve is truly remarkable. He is such a valued member of our team and an all-around good guy. We are grateful for his time, skill and generous nature that help make Meals on Wheels run so smoothly.