Congratulations to Don King, chosen as the 2nd quarter 2024-25 Volunteer of the Quarter for Salinas routes. Don’s journey with Meals on Wheels Salinas Valley (MOWSV) began on November 1, 2022, when he made his first deliveries as a substitute driver. For years, he had watched his friend and neighbor, David Higgenbotham, serve as a MOWSV driver, and his example left a lasting impression on Don. “Though I had worked in Salinas since 1976, I was amazed by the new perspectives that came with my volunteer role. As I was assigned to different routes, I discovered corners of the area I had never seen before,” he shared.

As time went on, he transitioned from volunteering as a substitute driver to a taking on a regular weekly route, and this helped him begin to build relationships with the seniors he served. Don now looks forward to these encounters, sharing life stories and catching up on the little details of these client’s lives, just as they learn of his. “This connection is especially meaningful in my retirement, after 36 years of practicing pediatrics in Salinas. My medical career gave me the privilege of meeting many families, and I continue to enjoy reconnecting with those I once cared for,” he shared. Prior to becoming a doctor, Don served in the United States Air Force, stationed in Spokane, Washington, which added another interesting chapter to his life story.  He was a board certified pediatrician for the two years he served in the Air Force before starting a private practice in Salinas leading him to become owner of the Salinas Pediatric Medical Group.

Before Don’s retirement, one of his first volunteer roles was serving as a docent for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. His job was to share the wonders of nature with visitors walking along the recreation trail near the harbor seal beach at Hopkins Research Institute in Monterey. This experience deepened his love for the ocean and its life cycles, particularly those of the harbor seals. One of his fondest memories comes from a conversation he had with a grandmother, her daughter, and granddaughter. “I was explaining how harbor seal pups gain a pound a day by nursing their mothers, whose milk is rich in fat. To my surprise, the grandmother recognized me. ‘You’re Dr. King!’ she exclaimed. ‘I remember you helping explain this to me when I was nursing my daughter!’”

Recently, in addition to his volunteer work with MOWSV, Don also volunteers with the Independent Transportation Network (ITN), helping people get where they need to go. He feels richly rewarded by these efforts, knowing that he’s making a difference in people’s lives—whether it’s delivering meals or providing transportation to medical appointments and other essential activities.

Don shared that his sense of adventure hasn’t faded, even in retirement! He continues to stay active by hiking weekly with the Haasis Hikers, a group that covers trails across three counties. Although he was once a competitive trail runner, training 60 miles a week for marathons, he’s now discovering places he’d never seen before. In addition, Don spent two decades paddling in six-person outrigger canoes and still paddles with his wife on Bass Lake in their one-person canoes. Physical activity keeps him grounded and engaged with the world around him.

Don adds, “Speaking of my wife, she’s a true inspiration.” The couple dances every week at Active Seniors Inc. in Salinas, and this shared passion for dance has led them to some remarkable moments, including winning a first-place award in a dance contest on a cruise they took 15 years ago. “My wife’s encouragement has helped me continue to grow, and we both cherish the joy of dancing together,” says Don.

Don has been involved in active hobbies for many years including running, canoe paddling, and ballroom dancing, “I’ve earned several awards—each one a testament to the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my passions,” he said. “But the greatest reward of all is my family. I’m incredibly proud of my five children, their spouses, and my nine grandchildren.” One particular note of pride that Don shared was for his granddaughter, who has won awards in swing dancing. Don likes to think that her love for dancing might have been inspired by her grandparents. 

Congratulations, Don, on adding another award to your repertoire, being honored as MOWSV Volunteer of the Quarter.