Volunteer Spotlight: Jeff Cabalka

Jeff Cabalka is a regular Meals on Wheels Driver and has been a volunteer at Family Service Rochester for 23 years! He loves giving back to his community and has also volunteered at other organizations in our community such as The Ronald McDonald House and his children’s schools. Jeff is the bright light in many people’s days!

When asked why do you volunteer? Jeff said, “I absolutely love volunteering! It is such a joy to share the gifts and talents that I feel that I possess.” And Jeff’s gift is the ability to put smiles on people’s faces through his goofy humor. He easily mixes that humor in with compassion, empathy and encouragement to connect with people. Meals on Wheels is a great fit to do just that. Jeff volunteers every Thursday delivering 10-13 meals a day. Because he is consistently at their house weekly, he has made a deep connection with many of those on his route. He understands that the people he delivers to are not only hungry for the meal, but often starving for community, connections and interaction with others, and he can give that to them.

Jeff says he also volunteers because he knows that most organizations need a strong volunteer base to effectively operate. “The need for volunteers has never been greater than in recent years, and I’m thankful that I have the opportunity to fill that much needed role with the organizations I volunteer with.”

Jeff has a wife, Allison, of 41 years, 2 adult boys and 7 granddaughters.