Every week, Arlene volunteers with her wife of 25 years, Judy, at the senior center near their home. The couple helps pack food and gets it ready to be distributed to the community. In the summer, they prepare boxes of summer snacks for kids.

 

Arlene never takes for granted having enough to eat, because years ago – she needed a little extra help, too. 

 

“Back in 1984, I had four little kids and didn’t have any support from my husband,” she said. “I was making $100 a month. That went to the mortgage and to the kids. We did struggle, but I don’t anymore.”

 

The center where they volunteer distributes food regularly as well as offers deliveries to people in the community who face barriers to accessing food like health and mobility, or lack of transportation.

 

“We see grandparents and great grandparents raising their children here,” Judy said. “So, you just try to help them and everyone out as much as you can.”

 

“We volunteer together,” Arlene added. “It’s something worthwhile to do and to help our community.”