Volunteer Spotlight: McKinnon Powell

“I realized that our brief exchanges meant so much more than just delivering a meal—receiving that gift from her was about the connection, compassion, and humanity we shared.”

McKinnon Powell is a writer whose professional journey led him to Los Angeles over fourteen years ago. Originally from the Florida/Georgia border, he was raised in a family where the values of service and community were ingrained in daily life. From a young age, McKinnon participated in mission trips and community outreach, which instilled in him an understanding of the power of giving back, not just in the lives of those helped, but also in transforming the hearts and perspectives of those who serve.

How did you come to volunteer for St. Vincent Meals on Wheels?

During a visit to my grandmother back east in July 2018, I first saw a TV commercial for Meals on Wheels. I had been volunteering at an animal shelter, but I felt a desire to do more. I remembered how my mother had once volunteered for Meals on Wheels in Georgia, and that memory sparked new motivation in me. So, I signed up on the national website. Soon after, I was welcomed into the St. Vincent Meals on Wheels family and have been volunteering regularly for several years.

Can you describe a typical day of volunteering for St. Vincent Meals on Wheels? Do you go on delivery routes? Do you help prepare food in the kitchen?

A typical day begins when I arrive at the kitchen near downtown LA. I help load the freshly prepared hot meals and other food items into the delivery van. Sometimes I drive; sometimes I deliver meals. Each delivery presents an opportunity to connect with someone who might be waiting for a friendly face. As we drive through the streets and neighborhoods of LA, I often reflect on how small moments of connection with clients can make a big difference in their lives.

Are there any client stories or personalities that have stood out to you over your time volunteering?

Absolutely. One client I regularly deliver to always greets me with a warm smile and is often holding knitting needles. She frequently tells me how knitting keeps her mind engaged. During our interactions, she shares stories that make me laugh, but one moment stands out vividly in my mind. She once asked me my favorite color, and I thought it was just a passing curiosity. Weeks later, she gave me a beautiful blue neck warmer she had knitted for me. In that moment, I realized that our brief exchanges meant so much more than just delivering a meal—receiving that gift from her was about the connection, compassion, and humanity we shared. I was, of course, grateful for the thoughtful gift, which also reminded me of the bond I had built with her through volunteering.

What has been the most challenging aspect of your St. Vincent Meals on Wheels volunteer experience?

The hardest part is when you arrive at a client’s door and can tell that they are having a tough day or are not feeling well. It’s difficult to offer them comfort and encouragement during those moments, but I believe it’s essential to do my best to lift their spirits, even if only for a brief encounter.

“The warmth and positivity of the staff and fellow volunteers create a welcoming environment. I feel truly connected to a community united by a shared goal of helping those in need.”

What have you found most fulfilling about your experience as a St. Vincent Meals on Wheels volunteer?

The most rewarding part is seeing the joy on clients’ faces when I deliver a hot meal and a smile. Those moments of connection and gratitude make all the effort worth it.

It sounds like you’ve been volunteering for several years and that it’s a part of your overall life experience. Can you tell us what you enjoy about volunteering in general and why it’s important to give back this way?

At first, I volunteered to leave the house and break the monotony before I started writing. Over time, it has become a meaningful part of my weekly routine. When I’m out of town, I miss my two mornings a week spent on delivery routes, connecting with the clients I’ve come to know and care about.

What is your overall experience with the SVMOW team you work with? Any shout-outs to someone who has made an impression?

My experience with the SVMOW team has been very positive. After volunteering at an animal shelter where the atmosphere was often negative, working with SVMOW has been a refreshing change. The warmth and positivity of the staff and fellow volunteers create a welcoming environment. I feel truly connected to a community united by a shared goal of helping those in need.