Bank employees volunteer throughout April to support Cambridge Meals on Wheels program

Each weekday in April, you’ll find the six employees at Waypoint Bank – Cambridge taking turns stepping away from the bank to go knocking on doors around the community.

But they’re not handing out flyers or leaving behind door hangers. They’re delivering nutritious meals to local senior citizens who may find it challenging to get to the grocery store or to cook for themselves.

“Delivering Meals on Wheels is a great way for our bank to help out within the community,” said Derek Downer, Branch President for Waypoint Bank – Cambridge. “We do it every year and our employees really look forward to it.”

In total, the Waypoint Bank—Cambridge staff will deliver over 200 meals to their neighbors who need a nutritional lunch by the end of the month.

For Waypoint staff, lunchtime takes on a new meaning

Waypoint Bank – Cambridge staff started making meal deliveries in April more than 30 years ago. At first, deliveries happened once a week on Tuesdays, all year long.  As the need for more volunteer help became apparent, Miller said the effort expanded to cover one entire month.

On a typical April day, employees will leave the bank in time to arrive at Tri Valley Health System by 11:45 a.m. That’s where they load up coolers with 10-14 meals that are prepared that morning by the Tri Valley Health System’s nutritional team. From there, the volunteers hit the road to get meals to their recipients during the noon hour.  

“We would absolutely not be able to provide the meals without our community partners,” said Tonya Koeppen, TVHS Dietician. “It literally takes hundreds of people volunteering to be able to operate this program.” 

Making a difference in south-central Nebraska

“I know that I am making a difference when I get a big smile from a meal recipient,” said Kathy Miller, Vice President of Waypoint Bank – Cambridge. “It is a great feeling to spread some joy around town just by saying hello and asking how their day is going.”

“As a registered dietitian, I can say that the Meals on Wheels program is greatly needed, and our community would suffer without it,” Koeppen adds. “I am proud to be a member of a community and healthcare system that can offer Meals on Wheels. This program wouldn’t be able to survive without volunteers like Waypoint Bank.”

Cover photo: The Waypoint Bank – Cambridge staff take turns delivering meals each year during the month of April.  Back row:  L-R Derek Downer, Bailee Springer, Staci Pick Front row: Jane Foster, Heather Banzhaf, Kathy Miller