Tuesday is Meals on Wheels day for the Berthiaume household. Tuesdays this month were marked with a bit of extra pride as one of our favorite married couples—Debbie and Steve— donned their new Meals on Wheels volunteer t-shirts! The Berthiaume family has been at the heart of our Meals on Wheels program for over 50 years.

As Debbie says, “It’s been a family tradition since the program began.”

It all started when Debbie’s mother responded to an ad in her church bulletin looking for volunteer drivers. At the time, the program needed drivers every day of the week—she says she chose Mondays to start her week off right! In the 1990’s, Debbie’s father joined the effort as well. As concerns grew about his safety driving alone, Steve stepped in to support him—ensuring the family’s continued involvement. After serving as a caregiver for her mother, Debbie officially joined the Meals on Wheels program in 2011, following her mother’s passing.

The Berthiaume household continues to embody the dedication, care, and commitment that make our Meals on Wheels program possible. Their story reflects the many facets of SMAA’s mission—supporting caregivers, strengthening communities, and improving the lives of older adults.

We at SMAA—and the countless older neighbors they’ve served over the past 50 years—are deeply grateful for their extraordinary service.

Change the lives of your neighbors today by becoming a volunteer for Meals on Wheels!