At 81, Mike Roth knows what it means to receive help and what it means to give it back.
Mike’s story begins in post-war Germany, where as a young boy he endured hunger, fear, cold, and hardship. His life changed when a U.S. Army officer, a man who would later become his stepfather, brought his family food and coal. “He saved us,” Mike recalls. That experience planted a lifelong sense of gratitude and a deep desire to give back. At age six, Mike immigrated to the U.S. and later dedicated 25 years to the Marine Corps.
After moving to Colorado in 2022 to be closer to his son, Mike sought ways to continue serving. He saw an ad for Volunteers of America Colorado, picked up the phone, and found his next mission.
Since 2024, Mike has been volunteering with VOA Colorado’s Meals on Wheels program, which delivers over 400,000 meals each year to seniors across the state. He doesn’t just deliver food; he delivers connection. “I enjoy talking to the people I visit. Many of them crave conversation, just like I do,” he says. “I leave each stop with a real sense of accomplishment and appreciation.”
Mike also shares his wisdom as a presenter with VOA’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) through its Disaster Preparedness Presentations, helping older adults plan for blizzards, wildfires, floods, and other emergencies. “I love the interaction,” he says. “It’s an opportunity to engage with the community, share important information, and learn from one another.”
For Mike, volunteering is more than giving back, it’s a way to pay forward a legacy of kindness. “Opportunities like this help fill the gaps in our lives,” he says. “They allow us to stay active, involved, and make a difference.”
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.