What keeps a volunteer motivated for two decades?
A Heart for Service
For more than two decades, Kimberly Huntsman has been a devoted volunteer bringing more than just nourishment to homebound seniors in Berks County through Meals on Wheels. Her journey began 23 years ago with a group of moms from St. Ignatius Loyola Church and School. They delivered meals regularly, looking for a meaningful way to get involved in their community. “Volunteering became an important part of my life as a way to be connected to, advocate for people who needed support, and to show our three boys the importance of doing—not just talking,” Kimberly shared.
Over the years, her volunteer role evolved to coordinate meal delivery schedules and now manages two Mifflin area routes, while still delivering meals herself two to three times each month. Despite the occasional challenge of filling shifts, Kimberly keeps everything running smoothly with clear communication and teamwork. When needed, she’s always ready to jump in and fill a gap herself.
What keeps her going after all these years? The answer is simple. “It makes me happy to know that our clients do not go without a meal. Besides meeting nutritional needs, we are also checking in on them to ensure they are safe and well. “Her deep-rooted passion for giving back comes from a belief that no one should be hungry or feel forgotten. “Volunteering allows me to use my organizational and people skills to help those in need,” she said. While Kimberly has primarily been a stay-at-home mom, volunteering in many different roles allowed her to stay actively involved in her sons’ sports and activities and brought joy and fulfillment to her life. Alongside her volunteer work, she’s held various part-time positions over the years and currently serves as the Event Coordinator for Lifeline of Berks County, where she works with a dedicated committee to organize their annual banquet.
Kimberly and her husband Jeff have called Wernersville home since 1992, though neither is originally from Berks County. Their three sons are now grown and living out of state—giving Kimberly and Jeff, the perfect excuse to travel, one of their favorite pastimes. When they’re not enjoying a getaway to places like Aruba, visiting their children, she enjoys staying active with workouts and walks, and winding down with a good book.
Through it all, Kimberly remains a shining example of how one person’s dedication can make a lasting impact on the lives of others and we are grateful for her service.