Meals, Mutts, and Muddy Trails: My Kind of Community Service

I’m not the kind of person who needs a spotlight or a crowd to feel like I matter—but that doesn’t mean I like sitting on the sidelines either. I do my best to stay involved in the community, and while I keep things pretty low-key, I’d like to think the stuff I do makes a difference.

One of the biggest ways I stay connected is through my job. I work for Meals on Wheels, and no, we’re not volunteers in our county—we’re actually paid, which surprises people. But honestly, even if it were unpaid, I’d still be doing it. Every day, I’m out delivering hot meals to senior citizens. Sounds simple, but it’s more than just food—it’s a welfare check, a quick conversation, and sometimes the only human interaction some of these folks get all day. I’ve had people tell me I’m the highlight of their week, and honestly? That hits me right in the gut. In a good way. It reminds me I’m doing something that matters.

Outside of that, I foster dogs for The Road Home Animal Project. Basically, we take in pups who haven’t had the best luck and give them a safe place to stay until they find their forever home. It’s chaotic sometimes (ever tried house-training a rescue while working full-time?), but it’s also one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. There’s nothing quite like watching a scared, shut-down dog start to trust people again.

And then there’s NEO GEO—that’s the North East Ohio Geocachers group. Yeah, we’re a little niche, but it’s a solid community. We plan events, go on hikes, hide caches, and just hang out. It’s a nice balance to the more serious stuff. Plus, any excuse to get outside, explore, and geek out with others who share the obsession? I’m all in.

So yeah, that’s how I stay involved. A little bit of work, a little bit of animal rescue, a little bit of nerdy outdoor adventure. It keeps me grounded. Keeps me connected. And more than anything, it reminds me that showing up—however that looks for you—really does matter.