At Neighbors Who Care, we are fortunate to have many dedicated volunteers who give their time and energy to support our mission. Among them is Rod, a warm and reliable presence who provides transportation to medical appointments for our clients and helps drive our van with both skill and a smile.
Rod’s journey began right here in Arizona, a place he’s proud to call home. His professional path started with UPS, where he gained a strong foundation in logistics and transportation. Eventually, he transitioned into the grocery industry, a field that became a lifelong passion. If you ever sit down with Rod, don’t be surprised if you find yourself deep in a fascinating conversation about supply chains, store operations, or the evolution of grocery retail. His knowledge is vast, and his enthusiasm is contagious.
Rod, a lifelong volunteer, has the philosophy that the goal of retirement should never be to stop working; rather, it should be to stop working for a living. With that in mind, Rod has worked hard to support many nonprofits. He has served on the board of directors for the YMCA and Smiles Beyond the Bars. He also volunteers for his church regularly. Last year, Rod expanded his volunteer opportunities by joining the Neighbors Who Care volunteer team. With the many different volunteer opportunities to choose from, it was no surprise that Rod stayed with his true passions: transportation, combined with shopping & errands. Whether he’s providing one-on-one rides to doctor’s appointments or driving our van to group shopping events, he brings patience, dependability, and genuine care to every interaction. He feels that volunteering for Neighbors Who Care is like being part of an orchestra. The volunteers are the talent, and the staff are the conductors. Working together to make beautiful music in our community.
Outside of volunteering, Rod’s life is centered around his family. He and his wife, Judy, have been married for 38 years, and together they have a beautiful blended family that includes five adult children, twelve grandchildren, and six, soon to be seven, great-grandchildren. Family gatherings are lively and full of love, just like Rod himself.
After spending time with Rod, I would describe him as one of the easiest people to talk to. His calm demeanor, quick smile, and good-natured stories make every interaction bright and enjoyable. He loves the Arizona desert and enjoys sharing its beauty and charm with those around him.
Rod’s commitment to Neighbors Who Care embodies the spirit of service and community that drives our mission. We’re incredibly grateful to have him on our team, and even more grateful for the kindness he shares every mile of the way.
Do you know someone like Rod who has a true passion for people and serving others? If so, please encourage them to reach out to Robin Wilson, our volunteer manager to learn how they can become involved.
