“Today was such a great experience. Everybody seemed to be smiling and so appreciative of the food. For me, food is such a ‘connector’ and being able to reach out to people who might miss out on a well-prepared meal is significant. I am so happy to be part of the Food Hero program. Thank you for providing this opportunity to build positivity in the Reno-Sparks community!”

-Cyndi Maijala 

Team members from My Ride to Work have helped deliver 18,336 meals to senior apartment complexes and local motels since joining our team last spring. Thank you for being an incredible group of United Way Food Superheroes! ⭐️

“I enjoy serving others and Delivering with Dignity is a tangible way to bless those in my own community. And the recipients are always so grateful for the meals!”

~ Lisa Stovall

"I love working for you guys because I love being able to give back to the community and spending time doing something for others."

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~ Joy Benna

Our Food Heroes are those that truly make Reno-Sparks feel like a community! They are the bright spirits that show up every day ready to serve. This week we celebrate Celso.

”I love volunteering because it helps out the community and when I give people food, I can tell they're smiling under their masks.”

- Celso Gonzalez Lopez

“A wonderful Spring surprise made by Kristin, one of our very generous Food Heroes.”

“We are all Past Presidents of the Reno South Rotary Club as well as long-time members of Rotary International, whose motto is 'Service Above Self'. The Delivering with Dignity program administered through United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra offers a perfect opportunity for volunteers to serve members of the community who are in need of this very special program while allowing each of us the opportunity to follow our passion of 'Doing Good in the World.”

“A day of caring helps show our community our involvement and care for our city to show people that we care so much about them.”

We want to celebrate the many families that have taken time out of their holiday season to volunteer as Food Heroes to help deliver meals directly to the doorsteps of the most vulnerable in our community, like those pictured below.

“So many great moments during the deliveries – almost everyone lightens up when seeing me come to their doors. We reach the most vulnerable communities in Reno, and you can feel the connection with those you probably don’t see often in life and the connection with the city as well. During my last delivery, a gentleman said, “Thank you so much, you make my day.” I am so glad that my effort really helped someone and brightened their day.”

- Christine Shen

“Being able to participate with Delivering With Dignity has been such a rewarding experience. This year has been really challenging for many, and being able to bring a smile and moment of kindness to each and every person is what this program is all about. Kindness is contagious and being able to spreading joy through DWD is something to be treasured.”

-  Stefanie McCaffrey 

“Volunteering with Delivering with Dignity has been such a rewarding experience. Helping people in need during these difficult times and seeing the smiles on their faces is a great experience.”

-  Susana Cabrera

“Being a food hero has given me a greater sense of community and belonging. Understanding that we can all use help sometimes has made me appreciate what I have and I am grateful for the opportunity to be of service.”

-  Alyssa Maligad

“The experience has meant an opportunity to help people during one of the most difficult times, especially the elderly and unemployed. I've been lucky to have a job, and I think those fortunate should always share with those less fortunate.”

-  Ed Park

“When the opportunity came from United Way to deliver meals I jumped at the chance to help less fortunate Seniors in this time of the pandemic. Every time I arrive they are always so thankful for the help they are receiving and I feel blessed to be able to help.”

-  Jacqueline Boyden

“I grew up in a family that put emphasis on giving back to the community. Between moving to Reno from Dallas and a nationwide pandemic, I thought what a better time to give back as a young, healthy individual. My favorite part of this whole experience has been seeing the faces of those I deliver to light up with pure joy.”

-  Taylor Smith

“I took an interest in volunteering for Delivering with Dignity because I thought it would be a great opportunity to help the community and bring a smile to all the families and individuals that receive the meals. This experience has become a huge highlight in my life."

-  Stefanie Ortega

“I have loved every minute of my time with Delivering with Dignity! I feel really grateful that, since my work has slowed down during the pandemic, I can help others in the community. And the entire team is fantastic to work with. It’s a real testament to the Reno community how many people and organizations have played a role in making our town stronger during this tough time.”

-  Dost Bardouille

“The Delivering with Dignity program has instrumental in helping so many wonderful people in the community I love. Having been born and raised in Reno/Sparks, the opportunity to deliver food and offer a smile (from behind my mask) has been a special experience for me; not to mention all the great memories that return as I drive the routes through so many of the neighborhoods me, my family and friends have called home over the years.”

- Kris Chinvarasopak

Harper has been a Food Hero volunteer since the first week of the program and continues to volunteer on a weekly basis. He has delivered over 1,900 meals! We are grateful for his commitment to this program.

“I have been so blessed that my job affords me the opportunity to help those around me. It is a joy and a privilege to be a Food Hero for Delivering with Dignity to serve those in need in my community.”

– Audra Hammerling

More than 16 volunteers from the 2020 Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class class have volunteered to deliver over 1,000 meals! They have also written hope notes to include inside each delivered meal bag.

My Ride to Work employees have delivered a total of 5,667 meals during their 11 weeks straight of volunteering with Delivering with Dignity! Their large vans have been perfect for bulk deliveries, as they bring smiles to each stop on their routes.

Reno Tahoe Limousine employees have volunteered 6 weeks straight. They have been using their large vehicles for community good and have delivered 1,770 meals to 336 households!

“Delivering with Dignity has really helped me see what I can do in the world. There may be a lot of problems that we face in our community, but seeing everyone's smiling faces when I deliver reminds me of how important our work is, and how needed we are." -Alexa Salls

“We moved here just under 2 years ago, and Delivering with Dignity has given us the opportunity to get out into our newly adopted community, appreciate the people who make it so wonderful, and also be of service to those in need. Finding some way to help during this crazy time, and even after, is a huge motivator for us, and we're so happy to support this wonderful cause.” - Debra & Jacob

“The appreciation and kindness of the people I deliver to is so heartfelt. Being a small part of such a wonderful organization that is so needed in our community brings joy beyond words.” 

– Candace Zansler

After less than 24 hours of us launching the program, she was the very first community member to volunteer as a Food Hero without question and has continued to serve almost every week since. The work that we do at Delivering with Dignity could not be possible without the support of wonderful Food Heroes like Meredith that we are so grateful to have!

"I'm exploring the 4 corners of Reno-Sparks by delivering meals! I am blessed to be retired, healthy and able to serve others. I have outfitted my car with an ice chest and 2 insulated cardboard boxes to help keep meals cool. I love how this program feeds the hungry and puts caterers back to work as well." 

- Judi Jensen 

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“I had a need for public service, and this was a perfect opportunity. People are in need, and I am in a position to help. I enjoy seeing that they are happier because of the program.” 

- Harper Connolly

"I may be a Food Hero, but the true heroes are the ones on the other side of the door. The warm smiles, kind eyes and overwhelming gratitude. The stories behind the faces. I am humbled by both their bravery and their vulnerability. With each knock on the door, I am reminded that true compassion begins with a simple act of service." - Kristin Greenstreet

Dan Perisho dedicated several days within our first two weeks of the program to volunteer as a Food Hero. Thank you Dan for believing in our mission, sharing valuable feedback to help us grow, and always stepping up to serve when we need extra help. You are a true Food Superhero!

“Nothing breaks my heart more than thinking about individuals or families without food on the table. I’m thankful to have the opportunity to jump in and assist with providing food for families who may not be able to get it elsewhere.”