As a college student, Penelope has a packed schedule. But between classes, homework and study sessions, she still makes time to head into the heart of Midtown Manhattan and deliver meals to older New Yorkers. “I go whenever I’m available,” Penelope says. That means on her few days off or early in the morning, before class. Really, the only thing that slows Penelope down is rain or snow. “But I don’t let the weather get to me too much,” she says. “I make sure of that.”

She's studying pre-med with hopes of one day becoming a doctor. “I’m passionate about caring for people,” the 23-year-old says. Her volunteer work with Citymeals is an extension of that. 

Penelope first learned about Citymeals on Wheels during the Covid-19 pandemic. A Brooklyn native, she wanted to help her isolated older neighbors, so she looked online to see how. “I came across Citymeals and I thought, ‘Oh, yes! This is what I want to do.’” Since then, she’s devoted nearly 200 hours to making meal deliveries. 

Penelope has delivered to different routes throughout Midtown often enough that the faces have become familiar. “I recognize most of the people,” says Penelope. “They get to remember me too.” There’s one older woman Penelope always makes time to stop and chat with before continuing on her way. “She always compliments my clothes.”

Just seeing the happy smiles keeps me going.

For Penelope, it’s moments like those that make it all worth it. “Just seeing the happy smiles on the people’s faces when they receive their meal—that’s what keeps me going.”