70-Year Friendship Made Even Stronger through Volunteering
Anne and Cindy have been friends for 70 years. Growing up, they spent nearly every day together. “I don’t remember a time in my life when Anne wasn’t in it,” Cindy said. “I probably had dinner at Anne’s house more than at my own,” she added, laughing. For Anne, their bond was just as strong. “Cindy was like a sister to me,” she said. Though life eventually took them to different states at times, their connection never wavered. They stayed close, and whenever they reconnected, “it felt like no time had passed,” Anne said with a smile.
Five years ago, Cindy was looking for a way to spend more time together. Anne, a retired nurse, had known about Project Angel Heart through her work with seniors and suggested volunteering.
“Project Angel Heart was always in the back of my mind because I knew how important their services were—I knew I wanted to be part of it someday,”
Anne said.
What started as a way to reconnect soon became a cherished weekly tradition. Now, every Thursday, Anne and Cindy work side by side, helping prepare meals for delivery to neighbors in need. Once a month, they also team up for a cookie shift, baking Chef Summer’s special chocolate chip cookies for clients and others connected to Project Angel Heart.
Volunteering has always been part of their lives—they learned the value of giving back from their mothers and had given their time to different causes over the years. But their time at Project Angel Heart has felt extra special, according to Anne. “This is the most volunteer-intensive organization I’ve ever worked with,” she shared. “The staff make great use of everyone’s time, and we feel appreciated. We always know what we’re doing matters.”
Now in their sixth year of volunteering, what keeps them coming back every week? “The energy here is amazing,” Cindy explained. “When you walk in, there’s music playing, great conversations happening, and it feels like you’re part of something truly meaningful.”
For Anne and Cindy, volunteering together has become more than just another activity. It’s the latest chapter in their story—one that brings them joy, purpose, and, of course, the chance to catch up. Their time at Project Angel Heart is one more way they continue to be there for each other—and for
their community.