It’s our privilege to honor Keith Hedlund with the award of Volunteer of the Quarter – December 2022. Keith joined Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley (MOWSV) as a volunteer delivery driver in December 2021 and has been a great addition to our volunteer force for over one year! Keith told us that “Meals on Wheels has a very good reputation for helping people” and he wanted to give back in some way. This was the reason that led him to contact MOWSV and join as a volunteer driver.

Keith stated “My favorite part about volunteering with Meals on Wheels are the other volunteers and those working in the office. There is great camaraderie between the volunteers and staff. Meeting and delivering meals to homebound seniors is very fulfilling for Keith. “I have developed some good friendships with the seniors I deliver to,” Keith said. “For some of my clients, the delivery and visit makes their day. It puts a smile on their face, as well as mine. I enjoy it, it’s fun for me.”

Keith recommends becoming a MOWSV volunteer to others, not just because it is a fulfilling experience, but because it’s a fun place to volunteer and be a part of helping others in the community. He feels it’s a great organization.

Keith shared that he retired from teaching about a year and a half ago in mid-2021. For 30 years Keith taught history and social studies, mostly at Washington Middle School in Salinas. He coached high school and college track, cross country, and basketball for many years. Keith still makes time to substitute teach when he is needed and continues to coach basketball.

Keith is very familiar with the routes that he drives to deliver meals as he has lived in Salinas for most of his 59 years. He is a graduate from Salinas High and Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. On a personal note, Keith shared “I met my current partner, Lan, teaching at Washington Middle School. We both have two adult children living in the area.” 

Staying active is important to Keith so he also leads physical training with the cadets at the police academy. Keith says “I have always been into fitness and working out. I have run many marathons over the years and in the last couple of years I have gotten into triathlons. I just finished my first full ironman triathlon a couple of months ago.” A few other interests that Keith has is that he’s a long-time Golden State Warriors fan and an avid bridge player.

Thank you, Keith, for sharing your time and talent with MOWSV and delivering meals to all the clients you serve from week to week. And congratulations on being our Volunteer of the Quarter!