Jim and Rosemary Prager
Jim and Rosemary Prager are standing in front of 50 fourth graders at Avonworth Elementary School. Even though it's late on a Friday afternoon, the kids are quiet, respectful, and itching to ask questions about the story they've just heard.
What brought us here?
Jim and Rosemary have been volunteering for McKnight Meals On Wheels for about five years. Their daughter, Diane Scott, has recently been teaching her class about connections in the community (through "Avonworth Connects"), along with her fellow fourth grade teachers. The students were to make Valentine's Day cards for someone in the community who needed it, and Diane thought that the people being served by her parents would be the perfect recipients. But she wanted the kids to truly understand what a big difference this project would make. So she invited her parents to come and share their volunteer experience with the kids.
The Pragers were excited about the opportunity to tell the kids about volunteering, and about the people they deliver meals to each Thursday. They even brought a sample of a meal to show the kids, along with a temperature-controlled carrying case. They answered many, many questions and told stories about their deliveries. A crowd favorite was the story of how Jim and Rosemary have become close with one client's golden retriever, and they play with her every time they deliver meals to her owner.
The Pragers spoke with three different fourth grade classes and each group made their Valentines after the presentation. The Pragers then brought the cards back to McKnight Meals On Wheels where they were distributed in time for the holiday.
The Pragers were excited to share their experience with the kids, because they truly take pleasure in the work they do. Rosemary enjoys the contact and interaction she has with the participants each day. Jim feels good knowing the difference he is making in someone's life. They like being able to do something for these people who need help. Jim explains that many participants they serve have changed over time, becoming more talkative, and lighting up when they see the Pragers coming to the door.
"We both feel that we've been very fortunate," says Rosemary. "And as long as we can, we'd like to do something that helps others in the community."
Thanks so much to the Pragers not only for volunteering their time, but for being sharing Lutheran Service Society's mission to empower our neighbors to lead independent, dignified, and secure lives.