God’s Love We Deliver is the only nonprofit in New York City that cooks and home-delivers free, individually-tailored meals and provides nutritional support to those with life-changing illnesses. Since 1985, their mission has been cooking and delivering meals that align with clients’ individual needs. To further support clients’ health, the organization provides ongoing nutrition assessment, education, and counseling. A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist speaks to every client and designs a medically tailored menu for them.
Volunteers are at the heart of God’s Love We Deliver, relying on them year-round to fulfill its mission. This year alone, God’s Love worked with more than 23,000 volunteers to help cook, package, and home-deliver over 4.2 million meals to more than 15,000 individuals. Volunteers are integral to every meal delivered and come from every borough and neighborhood of NYC to help God’s Love accomplish their urgent mission.
God’s Love We Deliver offers volunteer opportunities for individuals or groups across departments from kitchen to fulfillment, office tasks, and delivery – where volunteers are most urgently needed. For this year’s National Volunteer Week (beginning April 21st), get involved with God’s Love We Deliver, the perfect place to volunteer and make a difference.
There are no bounds when it comes to being a volunteer for God’s Love We Deliver. Grandmother-granddaughter duo Barbara and Lily are regular volunteers. Barbara joined God’s Love as a volunteer last fall. Lily was inspired to get involved after hearing how volunteering touched her grandmother. Since September, Lily has been at almost every Sunday shift. Together Barbara and Lily experience the power of volunteering for God’s Love We Deliver. They agree that there is something special about being in a space where people come together to serve the community.
Shortly after the COVID lockdown, Andy was inspired by an Instagram post from God’s Love board member Margaret Russell about her involvement with the organization and the urgent need for volunteers. Andy jumped right into action that summer, working in every department, fulfilling every type of volunteer shift available and helping out wherever he could. His favorite volunteer positions are in the kitchen and fulfillment department, where he can be in the middle of all the action.
When speaking to others about his experience with God’s Love, he shares how his volunteerism is all about being a part of something much bigger than himself and encourages others to get involved. “What is great about the volunteer experience at God’s Love is that there is something for everyone; no job is too big or too small. We all have various reasons for volunteering. I’ve been very fortunate and blessed in life, and I believe it’s important to pay it forward,” he says.
Avon began volunteering with God’s Love eleven years ago and now joins the organization twice a week to deliver meals to clients. No matter the weather, every Wednesday and Friday, Avon is ready to deliver up to six client meals in the Times Square area. When asked why he volunteers, he shares, “Because it makes me feel good. I deliver because it makes the clients happy, and if they’re happy, I’m happy!”
Brooklyn native Mari happened upon God’s Love We Deliver in 2013 while seeking volunteer opportunities. With a background as a hospital social worker, Mari had long been aware of the organization’s vital role in providing life-saving services. Now Mari dedicates her time to packaging meals in the fulfillment department twice a week. During the lockdown, she found immense gratification in contributing to her community. “I couldn’t work, so I needed to be part of the effort to feed people during this crisis,” says Mari. Through her consistent volunteer shifts, Mari has forged deep connections within the organization, citing the camaraderie among staff and volunteers as a major reason for her continued dedication. She reflects, “I keep coming back because of the people: the staff and volunteers. I’ve made so many friends here, that every shift is a shift with friends.”
Join God’s Love We Deliver in celebrating National Volunteer Week by making a difference in your community. Sign up to volunteer here with God’s Love We Deliver – where there’s a place and a need for you.