Delivering meals gives me a chance to connect with people who might otherwise be alone, even if only for a brief moment at the door

My name is Kim Biehl, and I live in Tampa, Florida. I began volunteering during one of the most difficult periods of my life, after my sister Amy was murdered while helping in South Africa in 1993. As I worked through my grief, I struggled with how I could possibly make a difference. I did not see myself as the academic, world-changing person she was, but I wanted to find a way to contribute in my own capacity. When we moved to Tampa, I knew no one, and a colleague suggested I try Meals on Wheels. The work has become truly fulfilling. Sometimes, I am the only person they see that day, and that small exchange, whether it is a smile, a hug, or words of kindness, reminds me how vital human connection is. Through volunteering, I have discovered not only new corners of Tampa but also the shared humanity that binds us. It has helped me carry my sister’s legacy forward in a way that feels authentic to me, less about being extraordinary and more about showing up with compassion.