Jon Makarewich has made many meaningful connections since becoming a YMOW volunteer in late 2024, some of which began decades before he delivered his first meals.
On one of his first routes as a volunteer, a client’s door opened to reveal a familiar face. Jon instantly recognized the man on the other side of the door as a staff member from the elementary school he attended decades ago. The two spent time reminiscing, looking at old yearbooks, and getting to know each other in a whole new way.
“Jon has really made an impact on clients,” said Volunteer Coordinator Elonah Dooley upon announcing Jon as YMOW’s final Volunteer of the Quarter for 2025. “Just this past week he shoveled driveways for clients who were not able to do it themselves on a cold, slushy day.”
Jon delivers meals every Monday, taking time to chat with everyone on his route and performing small tasks to make their lives easier. Every visit, Jon said, is a small tribute to his father in law, who benefitted from the support of his own community prior to his death last year.
“Right away, Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels came to mind,” Jon said of his decision to become a volunteer.
Although he was familiar with the work of YMOW, Jon said he realized the true impact of the program after becoming a volunteer.
“The friendships, how I’ve gotten to know the recipients, is much deeper than I assumed it would be,” he said.
One year after that first delivery, Jon said he has grown as a person and he’s grateful for the chance to change lives with every knock on a door.
