Shared by Kelley Chapman, Volunteer Manager
Our Volunteer of the First Quarter is the uber organized Community Liaison of Benefitfocus, Jaclyn Smith. Jaclyn has been such an “energizer bunny” since she joined us in January 2016, as she is quite the multi-tasker! This amazing gal delivers meals on our Daniel Island/Cainhoy route on behalf of Benefitfocus, coordinates each of the Benefitfocus volunteers for our delivery schedules and training, volunteers at our events such as the oyster roast and gala each year ,as well as hosts fundraisers for us at her office. What an amazing ambassador for us!
Kelley Chapman, Volunteer Manager, shares, “I recall the first day I met Jaclyn for training. Our personalities fit from the start. I was new to the organization and it was such fun to meet someone with a similar high level of enthusiasm and energy. I recall the laughter so incredibly well. Little did I know at the time what a genuine asset Jaclyn would be for us and our recipients, who would get to know and trust Jaclyn.”
Jaclyn’s background is social work and thus, helping the community came naturally. Additionally, Jaclyn’s grandfather had been a Meals on Wheels driver most of his life and she knew he’d be proud. Jaclyn said, “I had no idea I was going to fall in love with the one of a kind staff at Meals on Wheels and the volunteer opportunities that would be presented to me. Almost five years later (and several positions at Benefitfocus later), I still manage our route and look forward to the Friday’s on our company calendar when I get to drive and deliver.” Simply put, Jaclyn is infectious. Her love is EVERYWHERE and her giving spirit of her time is endless. Jaclyn says it best, “We all know Meals on Wheels is more than just a meal. It’s about checking in on those in our community who need it and making sure they are ok. I wish Meals on Wheels could be in every community so that all of our loved ones were receiving this kind of love and care. But since that’s a pretty big wish, I’ll stick to doing what I can for those here in my community and proudly do it with East Cooper Meals on Wheels.”
*Photo is of Kelley Chapman, Volunteer Manager, and Jaclyn Smith, at a Meals on Wheels oyster roast