Carol Coyle has been chosen as the Volunteer of the Month for November for her work as a Meals on Wheels volunteer. On a walk out to the Senior Services garage one day, as Meals on Wheels drivers were waiting for their routes to be ready, I saw Carol and thanked her for volunteering.

“Oh, it’s my pleasure! “ she said, ” I wish I could do more.” That seems to be a common thread for our volunteers – “I wish I could do more.” Carol has been volunteering since November of 2018, accumulating over 225 hours! Why did she decide to volunteer? “I retired from nursing – it’s in me to keep giving back to the community. My mother received services from Senior Services so I knew there were people in need.” When nominating Carol for Volunteer of the Month, Michele Burkett, Senior Services Food Service Coordinator said, “We have some great people who volunteer!!

But Carol Coyle is an angel who I have called on, at a moment’s notice, and will drop everything to ensure our seniors get their meals. I just don’t have the words for how truly amazing Carol is. She is one of those special people who make me want to be a better person. Just thought everyone should know how amazing she is.” Carol says, “I get more from this program than I feel I give. These people (on my route) are becoming my family. They are so appreciative of everything that people do for them. I feel lucky and blessed to be able to give them a meal and get a smile from them.”

Carol worked in operating rooms for most of her career. She is the mother of one and a sister to four siblings, born and raised in Breckenridge. Her other volunteer work includes driving for the Department of Health and Human Services and packing weekend lunches for school children in Ithaca. She also has a Labradoodle!

The Meals on Wheels program provides nutritious, well-balanced, tasty meals delivered to an older adult’s home by a friendly volunteer. If you are interested in this service, call Senior Services at (989) 633-3700. If you are interested in becoming a Meals on Wheels driver – one of the MOST rewarding volunteer experiences ever – call Tina at 633-3741!

Thank you so much, Carol, for your giving spirit! It truly is “in you” to give back! Thank you for your continued dedication and congratulations on being chosen as the Volunteer of the Month!