When Ginny Babbitt was asked “What have you gotten out of being a volunteer driver?”, the response does not sound cliché at all! “My heart is pretty full by the time I return from my route.” Her clients beam when talking about their grandchildren, music they love, or the pet they adore. When she couldn’t find a client one day, she walked around the back and found the client watering her garden at age 101!! Each person has their own issues, but they are still witty, share life stories and show their appreciation daily to her.
To Ginny, it is an honor to be the face of Meals on Wheels to our clients.” She knows that she represents the tremendous effort, care and consideration that goes into the many steps to produce a meal. Everyone’s convictions motivate Ginny to ensure that each meal is delivered and presented with the same standards. As Ginny states “We not only deliver meals, but we also offer smiles, and for many a presence that makes their day.”
Five years ago, Ginny and her husband entered that semi-retirement phase when a new work/life balance journey enters. With more flexible time available, high on the new life list was to help with community needs. It was a MOMPW driver passing by that sparked the phone call to see what was needed. And so the journey began – 5 years ago!
Ginny wishes she could bottle the appreciation of the clients and bring it back to the folks that orchestrate and prepare a dizzying number of meals each week. It’s quite motivating. When you know the group in the kitchen has made 1,000 sandwiches starting at 6:30am. You then realize you are part of a very dedicated team. For the most part delivery of the day’s food is a simple hand-off and a thank you, but there is at least one gem every day. Whether she is seeing friends she has made on her regular route or meeting someone for the first time, every interaction is one that fills Ginny’s heart.
For over 30 years Ginny and her husband have been coming to Monterey from San Jose to be in or on the water. They are very much planted here now. And apart from volunteering with MOWMP they also volunteer with the Marine Sanctuary. But Ginny’s favorite treat is on the water kayaking at Elkhorn Slough. It is her sanctuary. Whatever the conditions, the scenery and wildlife never fail to wow her. Ginny loves to work and volunteer to educate folks on just how precious our water resources are and how people can still have a lovely garden and a decent shower using far less water and little sacrifice. Her other love is gardening, where she relishes finding plants that deer dismiss!
As Ginny knows, everyone has their challenges; one may be finding what could immensely reward them for their efforts. For Ginny, being part of the MOWMP family has absolutely done that for her. She pulls up for her day’s meals to a scurry of packaging, sorting, carting, packing and laughing! Sometimes even some fun dancing and often hugging. It’s such a beautiful way to start the day.
