AEO associates share our commitment to doing better, being better and building a better world. We’re proud to spotlight our people who are making a real and lasting impact in their communities.
Meet Morgan, Assistant Designer – AE Women’s Tops & Accessories and volunteer with Meals on Wheels. Morgan’s appreciation for volunteering dates back to her childhood, where she would join her grandparents to deliver food in their community. As an adult, she keeps the tradition alive and looks forward to watching her neighbors light up when they see her at the door.
Tell us about your volunteer service with Meals on Wheels!
I started doing Meals on Wheels in Walkertown, North Carolina when I was in middle school with my grandparents. They were devoted volunteers in our community and made a point to include my brother and I throughout our childhood. I enjoy volunteering with Meals on Wheels to help homebound individuals in our community who may not have access to obtain or ability to make nutritious meals for themselves.
Why is volunteering at Meals on Wheels important to you?
Meals on Wheels is important to me because it allowed me to spend more time with my grandparents and built a strong foundation for the importance of volunteering and giving back. It also means a lot to me as I get to engage with people who also may not get to talk to anyone all day– seeing their eyes light up when I walk to the door with the meals does my heart good knowing that I can bring some happiness to their day!
One memory I will always cherish was from last December: I was delivering meals and a lady who lives alone had been making ornaments all week for all of the meals on wheels drivers who came by her house. She gave me one that day and expressed how appreciative she was for bringing her a hot meal and talking with her as it was among the only interactions she gets. Every year during the holiday season, I hang it up on my tree and think of her.
Giving back to the individuals of our community means a lot to me as they are the people who helped build our town to what it is today. I also value Meals on Wheels as my grandparents set a wonderful example of being dedicated and showing up every week to deliver these meals. Without them, people in our community would go hungry and I am so honored to be a part of their team. My grandmother recently passed away but I love to still volunteer with my grandfather and assist him when I can.
How many years have you been volunteering?
I have been volunteering for eight years between school and work! I have also volunteered at my church with Operation Christmas Child for 10+ years, the local food bank, and the local Backpack Program that packs bags full of food for children at local schools who may not have lunches or meals when they go home for the weekends. I also volunteer at our church, Morris Chapel UMC during events such as our annual Bazaar in October to raise money for the youth to go on mission trips to help repair and build decks and ramps, repair roofing, and any construction jobs in our state that may need assistance.
How do you think being an active participant in your community helps to Build a Better World?
I think being active in volunteering helps to improve the community and the well-being of individuals lives. It also extends a friendly helping hand to those in need who may be going through more than we all see from the outside looking in and sets a great example for youth to do good in the world and continue to pour into their community–not only in their hometowns but wherever they may be. Being a new resident of New York, I am eager to get more involved in the outreach of Meals on Wheels and help raise awareness for our elderly who need a little help!
What are some of the benefits you have found in volunteering? What have you learned?
I have found so many benefits through volunteer opportunities, such as making a difference in local communities, making new connections and building relationships with other outreach communities, and seeing and feeling the goodness that it brings to your soul and to others.
