Passing on Compassion: Allan and Lucas’s Story

At Nourish Meals on Wheels, volunteering is often about more than showing up for a shift. It is about passing on values, building relationships, and creating moments that shape how we care for one another. Some of our most meaningful stories come from volunteers who serve side by side across generations, sharing time, conversation, and purpose.

For Allan and his grandson Lucas, delivering meals together has been a way to grow closer while giving back to their community. The two have volunteered together whenever possible since Lucas was in fifth grade. What began as a simple way to spend time together quickly became something much deeper.

Allan hoped that volunteering would help teach Lucas compassion, empathy, and the importance of caring for others.

Through each delivery, Lucas learned the value of showing up consistently, listening with kindness, and recognizing the dignity of every person they served. Along the way, Allan watched his grandson develop confidence, perspective, and a genuine appreciation for community service.

For Lucas, delivering meals became a chance to connect with older adults, hear their stories, and understand the impact that small acts of kindness can have. For Allan, it was a way to lead by example and share meaningful moments with his grandson that would last far beyond their route.

This year marked a new chapter as Lucas began his freshman year of college in San Diego. While they may not be delivering together as often, the bond they built through volunteering remains strong. Allan shared that serving together has brought them closer and created memories they both deeply cherish.

We are especially looking forward to welcoming Lucas back when he comes home for winter break. He will once again join his grandpa Allan to help deliver special gifts during our 12 Days of Giving, continuing a tradition rooted in compassion, connection, and community.

Their story is a powerful reminder that volunteering does more than support our neighbors. It helps shape the next generation of kindness.

Families and multigenerational volunteers play a special role at Nourish. Sign up to volunteer together or support our 12 Days of Giving and help pass compassion forward, one delivery at a time.