As retirement approaches, many people wonder how they’ll spend their time. But for Tom Fukunaga, a former junior high math teacher, the answer was clear: he wanted to give back to the community he calls home through meaningful volunteer work.
Tom and his family moved to the Monterey Peninsula from Cupertino in 2000, and soon after, he discovered Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula (MOWMP). He says finding MOWMP was a stroke of luck—it turned out to be the perfect fit. Volunteering as a driver has allowed him to stay active, meet wonderful people, and contribute to a cause he deeply believes in.
For the past 18 years, Tom has been a dedicated driver, delivering nutritious meals and checking in on the welfare of clients. He knows that his visits are about more than just food—they’re about connection, care, and sometimes, even saving lives. On at least two occasions, Tom arrived to deliver meals and received no answer at the door. But he heard faint calls for help inside. Fortunately, the doors were unlocked. Tom entered, found clients who had fallen and couldn’t get up, comforted them, and called 911. Thanks to his quick actions, both clients survived.
Unlike many drivers who stick to the same route, Tom enjoys being a substitute driver, filling in wherever he’s needed. He began with a regular route, but soon realized he preferred the variety and challenges of new neighborhoods and clients. After nearly two decades, Tom has likely driven every route we offer! When asked what he’d say to someone considering volunteering with MOWMP, Tom didn’t hesitate: “If you want to make a difference in our community, volunteering at MOWMP is a great place to start. It’s a wonderful organization providing a vital service, and you get to hear some amazing stories from our clients. They are special people with so much still to share.”
We are deeply grateful to Tom for his 18 years of service. His compassion, flexibility, and dedication have made a lasting impact—and we look forward to many more years of having him on the road with us.
