volunteering grounds me.

Abigail scanned the list of names and numbers. Ten down, just a couple more to go. She dialed the next phone number, waiting patiently as it rang. “Hello!” she said. “This is Abigail! I’m just calling to wish you happy holidays from Citymeals on Wheels.”  

Last year, in the five days leading up to Christmas, Abigail made about 100 of these calls as part of Citymeals’ Holiday Calls program. The program provides volunteers with a list of meal recipients who could use an additional check-in and a little holiday cheer.  

“I think it’s important for all of us to find community and it’s harder for people who may not be able to leave their house,” says Abigail. “I see this as bringing community to them. I think that’s what Citymeals is about. Obviously, it’s about putting meals on the table for people, but it’s also about providing that community.” 

Since moving to New York in 2022, Abigail had been looking for ways to help.  “Living in New York City, you see so much need every day when you walk outside,” she says. Food insecurity, especially among older people, has been an issue close to her heart. She frequently volunteers at her local food pantry. That’s how she first heard about Citymeals.

It helps that holiday calls can be made from anywhere, which Abigail did from Massachusetts, where she was visiting family for the holidays. “I wanted to do volunteering the week that I was off,” she says. The Holiday Calls were easy to fit into her schedule and the whole family was excited to jump in and join some of the calls.

Some people didn’t answer — Abigail left them voice messages — and some didn’t want to stay on the line long, but others took time to speak with her. Abigail remembers one man who was delighted to receive her call. “He took the opportunity to have a real conversation with someone he doesn’t know,” she says. “It was just meaningful to connect with someone, even if I’ll never meet him in person.” 

Another older woman she spoke with had been experiencing health issues which made it impossible for her to leave home. Like 52% of Citymeals recipients, she lives alone. “It seemed like a lifeline for her, having someone checking in and seeing how she was doing,” Abigail says. “I could imagine being in that position too. Having someone reach out would be such a huge deal.” 

For those looking to get involved, Abigail has one piece of advice: just sign up.  

“I think that people get wrapped up in inaction or indecision,” she says. “Any time I’m feeling out of control or like I want things to go better in the world, but I don’t know where to start, volunteering grounds me.”  

If you’re hesitant, she recommends finding a friend or family member to join you. “There’s strength in numbers,” she says. She’s taking her own advice, encouraging her parents, sister and partner to sign up with her. “I’m looking forward to doing it again this year.”