By Jodie Young
“Life is not about me.”
These words mark Carol Hiramoto’s philosophy towards life, and they shine through as an active Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels volunteer. After a career serving in a variety of roles, from administrative assistant to corporate treasurer for an insurance company, we are fortunate that Carol brought her experience to Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels four and a half years ago.
Seeing the Needs of Hawai‘i’s Elders
Meeting the needs of elders was the reason Carol got involved with Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels. The location of Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels in Manoa Valley Church is an old stomping ground for Carol, who grew up in the area. Church, in fact, was how Carol got involved with our organization. She had read about a call for volunteers in her church bulletin, and she saw a need to help elders. Seniors, Carol explains, appear to have a lot of support, but she sees that there are so many ways that the actual support is lacking.
Delivering Aloha in Mililani Mauka
And help them Carol does, with enthusiasm that embraces the volunteer spirit. Carol began with Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels as a deliverer for the Mililani Mauka route, and she has faithfully continued on alternating Mondays. She also serves as a substitute when other volunteers are not able to cover their route.
More Than Meal Deliveries
Carol also lends her skills with the mailings. Still, Carol wishes she can contribute further to the organization, and she started writing personal notes in birthday cards for our clients. Carol loves doing the birthday cards, which are written and mailed to clients twice a month. Carol passionately cares about people on her route and is determined to continue volunteering to put the needs of clients before hers. “I want to be a light to the world,” Carol says. “It’s not about me and my feelings.”
