Barbara Laudie, a dedicated volunteer with the Boynton Beach Soup Kitchen’s Meals on Wheels program, has been delivering meals and forming meaningful connections with older residents for over 10 years.

Building Bonds

Laudie’s weekly route takes her to visit seniors who can no longer get around as they once did. Her first stop is often to visit 85-year-old Greg Eller, who waits to hear her car pull up to his house. Over time, the two have developed a close bond, with Eller sharing stories about his family and Laudie sharing stories about her husband, a chef.

For Eller, the visits mean more than just receiving meals. ‘I’m hardly able to stand,’ he said. ‘It keeps me out of assisted living or something like that, you know.’ Eller added, ‘All the volunteers are excellent, but not as good as Barbara.’

Laudie’s next stop is to visit 88-year-old Beverly Garris, who recently returned home from the hospital. Garris expressed her appreciation for Laudie, saying, ‘This girl is wonderful. She is so good to everybody. I don’t care who you are.’ Laudie replied, ‘Well, you’re a pleasure. I’ve become very attached to you.’ Garris said, ‘Same here.’

A Labor of Love

Laudie’s work with the Meals on Wheels program is a labor of love. She has been volunteering for over a decade and has formed close bonds with many of the seniors she visits. ‘You get very attached; very sweet people. They really appreciate everything we do for them,’ Laudie said.

In the last five years, at least five of Laudie’s clients have passed away, making her time with them even more significant. ‘It humbles me, I would say. I feel blessed now in my life, and if I can make their lives a little brighter,’ Laudie said.

Laudie was recently recognized as a Community Champion for her dedication to the Meals on Wheels program. Her work exemplifies the power of connection and compassion, making her a true community champion.

Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.