Did you know Meals on Wheels volunteers help to ensure client safety?
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Robert Riegel – Delivering More Than Just Meals
On a recent Monday morning, what started as a routine Meals on Wheels delivery for Robert Riegel turned into a life-saving moment. Robert, a dedicated volunteer with Berks Encore’s Wernersville Center, became concerned when one of his regular clients didn’t answer the door. Noticing that mail had piled up since the weekend, he tugged gently on the screen door. It was locked from the inside.
That’s when Robert knew something wasn’t right. “I think Judy is in trouble,” he told the center manager. His concern prompted a series of urgent phone calls from Berks Encore to Judy’s family and to emergency responders. The first responders arrived to find Judy unconscious on the floor. Thanks to Robert’s quick thinking and action, she received emergency care, spent time recovering in the hospital and in rehab, and is now back home—grateful to be receiving Meals on Wheels again.
Without that simple but essential check-in, Judy might not have received the help she needed in time. Sadly, situations like this are not uncommon—and they highlight just how vital our volunteers truly are.
Robert began volunteering with Berks Encore three years ago, delivering meals alongside his neighbor. He’s retired now, after a 50-year career, but he keeps busy helping others. In addition to Meals on Wheels, he transports people who no longer drive to their medical appointments or to pick up groceries. “I enjoy helping people who are a lot worse off than me,” Robert says. “I love the smiles and the thanks I receive from the people getting the meals.”
Berks Encore is incredibly grateful for Robert’s compassion, vigilance, and selfless service. Volunteers like him make it possible for seniors in our community to remain safe and supported at home. Thank you, Robert, for delivering more than just meals—you deliver peace of mind, care, and sometimes, even a second chance.
Last year, Meals on Wheels of Berks County served over 200,000 meals to local seniors. But we can’t do it alone. We are in need of volunteer delivery drivers, especially in Reading. Delivering meals requires an hour or two of your time. You can help once a week, bi-weekly or once a month. Please volunteer today! Visit berksencore.org/ to complete a volunteer application or contact Michelle Goodhart, Volunteer Coordinator at 610-374-3195 ext. 225 or email Mgoodhart@berksencore.org.
