Congratulations to Aya Ettinger who was named Volunteer of the Quarter – 3^rd Quarter 2023. She is a meal delivery driver in South Monterey County – Greenfield and King City. Aya has volunteered at Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley for 2 years.  She wanted to volunteer because it allows her to support her community through MOW. Aya shared that her parents live in Japan and she is unable to take care of them, but she appreciates the kindness and support they have been given by the friends and community surrounding them. This made her want to do the same here, in her own community and surrounding areas. Aya said “My favorite part of being a volunteer is to help people who are in need. I would tell others how it's a wonderful feeling to know that those people in need will be supported.”

In addition to her volunteer role with MOWSV, Aya is a piano/violin teacher at Sol Treasures in King City. Her love for music runs deep and Aya is involved with playing violin in the Hartnell Community College Orchestra. She retired from King City Arts Magnet School, where she was a music teacher for 17 years. “This is my 25th year in King City ever since I moved to the United States. Before, I have lived in Japan for most of my life,” says Aya. “King City was where I was able to start a family and start a new chapter in my life.” Aya’s husband, Steve, is also a volunteer driver with MOWSV. In her free time, she visits antique shops and flea markets and loves to spend time with her two cats and dog. We thank Aya for her dedication as a volunteer and congratulate her on being named MOWSV Volunteer of the Quarter!