Outing and Eating

In July I signed up as a volunteer Van Host for Del Mar Community Connections, which I was told would involve escorting a group of seniors on a local shopping trip plus lunch. Shopping and lunch… who could say no to that! Beyond that, I really didn’t know what to expect. It was a blast! So much fun, and so inspiring!

 

I met the driver at the Community Building and off we went, picking up a half dozen seniors at their homes, and then our full van headed to the shops. Being the new girl, I was the hot topic: Where are you from? What do you do? Are you married?

 

We spent the morning wandering around Ross and DSW. I escorted ladies to find Skechers and slippers, and the biggest purchase — a new broom.

 

At lunch, I had a salad. The ladies all had cheeseburgers. The questions continued. By the time the trip was over, they’d got everything out of me short of my social security number! I learned all about their children, grandchildren, and spouses long past. Women who have lived lives of wonder and heartache, joy and adventure and are still living as large as they can, with the help of an amazing organization which gives seniors pieces of their independence back.

 

Many seniors in our community don’t have family close by and rely on the services of DMCC for rides to and from doctors, a grocery trip, plus other social gatherings. Sign up with DMCC today and I guarantee it’ll make you smile… especially when you learn a new joke or two!

A DMCC driver assists a Del Mar resident out of the van during a shopping trip. Photo courtesy of DMCC.