Volunteer Spotlight: Ann Jackson

Our volunteers are a step above the rest: hardworking, kind, and willing to sacrifice their time to improve somebody else’s quality of life. With only a few paid staff members in the kitchen, our volunteers really make all the difference in the pursuit of our mission. This is why we are thrilled to spotlight extraordinary volunteers who embody our values and make Meals on Wheels of Lancaster the best place to work and serve.

Volunteer Ann Jackson helps in the kitchen twice a week

Meet kitchen volunteer Ann Jackson! Ann began volunteering at Meals on Wheels of Lancaster back in March 2020, just as the world went into lockdown in the early days of COVID-19. All of our long-time kitchen volunteers were considered at high risk and had to stay home during the uncertainty, so we were badly in need of help.

At the time, Ann was looking to help an organization that was short-staffed due to the pandemic, so naturally, Meals on Wheels provided her with a perfect opportunity.! Since her first shift, Ann has logged more than 170  volunteer hours, faithfully supporting the kitchen team every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. The afternoon prep shift runs from about 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM and involves only a couple of volunteers preparing ingredients that will be served in the meals the next morning. ​Learn more about our volunteer opportunities on our website!

​Ann’s favorite part about volunteering during the meal prep shift is playing an active part in the massive undertaking of feeding our area seniors. “I enjoy leaving my Meals on Wheels shift knowing that I helped feed 400 people in Lancaster County,” she said. ”Plus, the kitchen always smells great—especially when we are baking cookies and brownies!” Ann has also enjoyed getting to know other hard-working Meals on Wheels employees like Tim, our dishwasher and Lynn the prep cook.​

​Outside of volunteering, Ann enjoys riding her bike, running, skiing and spending her free time outside. Her husband, three children, cat and a dog keep her on the go as well! On a professional note, Ann still finds time to work for her husband’s law firm as a business manager. However, she’ll admit that she is ready to relax and travel more once the kids head off to college and life slows down a little bit.​

Do you have a unique story to tell? We’d love to feature you on our website in a blog story or volunteer hightlight! Email Volunteer@lancastermow.org to learn more.