Jim Cross and his son, Matt Cross, Meals on Wheels drivers for the Sanford Center, are the Midland County Senior Services Volunteers of the Month for March.
“The Sanford Activity & Dining Center is truly grateful to have Jim Cross and his son, Matt, as volunteers,” said Dawn Powell, Sanford Site Manager. “They are super friendly, caring, and compassionate people. They both have a servant’s heart.”
Jim and Matt started delivering meals about six years ago. They were looking for something they could do together after Matt had a double lung transplant in 2016.
They both love people and especially enjoy the population whom Senior Services serves. Matt used to volunteer at some assisted living facilities in the area and at the Bridge Food Center, but he explains, “I need to be careful who I am around due to the transplant.”
“They are full of life, positive energy, encouraging and both have a great sense of humor!” Powell says.
I can personally attest to their good sense of humor. I met them at their home in the middle of a recent power outage which we all found comical. They also told me they continue to volunteer because of the candy that Dawn provides them!
I asked Jim and Matt what they would say to someone who is on the fence about volunteering. Jim responded, “Just do it! Volunteering isn’t hard. You meet some great people with amazing life stories.”
Jim retired from Hemlock Semiconductor and Dow Corning. He has been married to his wife, Gail, for 43 years. They have one other son and three grandchildren. Jim also serves on the board at Midland’s Open Door.