Jerry Meisel
My name is Jerry Meisel. and I'm a single dad from San Francisco. I've been a Food Runners volunteer for six years. My son Jason started coming on runs with me when he was four years old. He is now eight and able to load and unload deliveries with me.
It's important for me to show my son the care, concern, help and support that we can give to our neighbors in need. I try to make a difference in the community by focusing on someone other than ourselves. By giving back to the community, I can show Jason first hand how volunteering makes a difference and how good it feels to help other people. It takes us out of our daily life and demonstrates that we're all in this together and that we need to support others and make an impact on the wellbeing of those less fortunate than we are.
Through Food Runners, I have picked up food donations from restaurants, stores, markets and events and delivered to many different locations. Some fond memories include delivering to Family Crossroads, were Jason became friends with one of the boys who lives there. Since learning of Family Crossroads through Food Runners, I have also delivered children's clothes and toys there. The two boys used to play with the cars I brought and they had a great time. It meant a lot to me seeing the mother so happy for her son.
The Sisters at Mother Theresa's Missionaries of Charity, where we often deliver, are always happy to see us when we arrive bearing food from our Food Runners pick ups. They give both of us blessings when we leave. Picking up food donations from the Marine’s Memorial Club on Nob Hill is always an extra special treat because, besides the usual benefits of doing a food run, we get to enjoy the spectacular view from the top of the restaurant. On various other deliveries, the people that we deliver to are always happy to see us and give Jason high fives and fist bumps. It brings a smile to their faces and I see that my son gets a good feeling about himself afterwards knowing he's made a difference. Even though I've had some major setbacks over the past six years, I still find the impetus to help out others in need by being a Food Runners volunteer. It's important for me, for my son’s well being and for the well being of those we are helping who are less fortunate than we are. Thank you, Food Runners.
