“Awesome to be part of something bigger.”
At 65, Denver resident Manny is living proof that it’s never too late to find new purpose, and new community, through service.
After serving in the U.S. Army and spending over 30 years with the U.S. Postal Service, Manny thought he was simply showing up to share a meal with a friend at a VOA Colorado senior dining center. But that dinner turned into something much more. He struck up a conversation with project manager Sean Fujimoto, who mentioned volunteer opportunities, and that was all it took.
Today, Manny volunteers with VOA’s City Harvest program two to three times a week.
City Harvest is one of VOA Colorado’s vital hunger relief programs, focused on rescuing surplus food and distributing it to churches, food pantries, and community partners across the region. Volunteers like Manny help load vehicles with nutritious groceries that directly reach individuals and families facing food insecurity. By bridging the gap between excess and need, City Harvest not only reduces food waste, it also ensures that thousands of Coloradans have access to meals, hope, and dignity every week.
Manny’s energy, compassion, and can-do attitude have made him a star in the program in just his first year of volunteering.
“God blessed me, so I try to give back,” Manny says. “You’re not getting paid, but the benefits of volunteering go far beyond money.”
For Manny, volunteering is more than just physical effort, it’s a workout with lasting impact. “It’s like going to the gym…but so much more,” he says. “You show up, you push yourself, and afterward you feel stronger, better.” But unlike lifting weights, the strength Manny builds through volunteering isn’t just physical, it’s emotional, spiritual, and deeply human. Each shift leaves him with a stronger sense of purpose, community, and a fuller heart.
His advice to others? “Go for it. You will get a lot out of it!”
We’re grateful to have Manny on the team, and proud to spotlight a volunteer who reminds us that service isn’t just about helping others. It’s about becoming part of something bigger.
If you’re looking for connection, joy, and the kind of purpose that lights up your heart, the VOA Colorado has many volunteer opportunities. Find out more HERE.