Helping Hands: Leading Nonprofit Organizations and Volunteering for Meals on Wheels

Written By: Marlene Mahipat, MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics Graduate Student

Editor’s Note: This post is part of a series of Helping Hands stories authored by School of Pharmacy faculty, staff, students, trainees, and alumni who stepped up to assist their family and friends, colleagues, and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since 2006, I have led two nonprofit organizations. One is called People Helping Every Animal Survive Euthanasia (P.L.E.A.S.E.), which facilitates animal rescue and helps provide people with pet food and supplies and assists with veterinary bills. The other organization, Helping Orphans Prosper Everywhere (H.O.P.E.), provides people with backpacks filled with school supplies, clothing, toiletries, household items, emergency financial assistance, holiday presents, and groceries for families who are homeless or in need. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I have received an abundance of phone calls for help through both of my nonprofits.

Apart from running my own chiropractic practice, I have been a Meals on Wheels delivery driver for more than 20 years. Because most of the volunteer drivers for Meals on Wheels are members of an at-risk group, I have taken on three times the deliveries I usually do, maintaining safety during the process. These are the times where it is even more important to help those in need. We will get through this together.