How many times in a lifetime does a family move? Some stay put their whole lives and
never move once, others move with relationships or careers.
Tracy Manzano, a volunteer driver, moved with her new husband in 1982 to Indiana, where he attended University of Notre Dame in South Bend, then moved to Modesto where their family began, then to Pleasanton, and then off to Mercer Island, Washington. Finally they settled in Pacific Grove, where they used to vacation at Asilomar.
It was in 2014 that Tracy found Meals on Wheels. According to Tracy, it was her mother that found MOWMP and told her that it may be fun to volunteer. All Tracy knew was that she wanted to do something in her community and she found her niche when she became a driver.
Tracy has been driving for us for 10 years. She loves meeting people and it helps her day get started.
However, the real joy for Tracy is the relationships she has made over these years with her clients.
One client that comes to her mind is Mrs. Brady in Seaside. The moment they met they hit it off. Tracy would visit with her after she delivered to all her clients and hear her life story. At one point, Tracy brought her whole family over to meet her. Tracy helped put up her Christmas tree as well as helping her with the yard. It was a cherished relationship until she passed away.
When asked what she would tell someone who was wanting to volunteer Tracy replied, “You will get more out of it than you give.” That says it all.
