Originally from Long Island, N.Y., and now a resident of Millersville, Joanne DeRenzis serves her community as executive director of Millersville Area Meals on Wheels (MAMOW).

"About 30 years ago, my parents moved to Lancaster County a year before I did," said DeRenzis. "My mom was looking for something to do, so she volunteered for MAMOW as a kitchen helper, and my dad drove for MAMOW as a deliverer."

After DeRenzis followed her parents to Lancaster, she also followed them to MAMOW to serve as a Tuesday packer. Over the years, she's held several roles within the organization.

"One year, the director was looking for a substitute, so I did that for a while," said DeRenzis. "I was also a driver coordinator, where I was in charge of finding substitute drivers for drivers who called in sick or were unavailable."

Four years ago, DeRenzis was serving as the assistant director, and the executive director realized the job just wasn't right for her. Almost immediately, DeRenzis stepped into the position.

As executive director, DeRenzis is in charge of finances, answering phone calls, signing up new clients, training volunteers, planning fundraisers and events with Millersville Business Association, and sending out newsletters. In addition to maintaining this role, DeRenzis is employed by Millersville Community Church as a facility coordinator.

As DeRenzis' parents got older, they went from MAMOW volunteers to clients.

"My mother developed Alzheimer's and my father lost his eyesight," said DeRenzis. "I know firsthand just how important this organization is for people in the community, especially working individuals who can't be there all the time for their parents. With MAMOW, at least someone is checking in on them every day."

DeRenzis noted that MAMOW has formed ties with The HUB, a center for ministry and mission that serves Millersville University students. The ministry is located downstairs in the Millersville Community Church - First Campus and is affiliated with the university. The HUB serves a free lunch two times a week.

"Some of my volunteers go to The HUB and volunteer there, too," said. DeRenzis. "Some college students volunteer there, too, and a couple have interned for me. It's a great partnership with the college."

MAMOW will host its first "to-go" fundraising dinner on Saturday, April 10. Meal pickup will be available from 4 to 6 p.m. in front of Millersville Community Church - First Campus, 121 N. George St. This event will replace MAMOW's spring community breakfast because of the pandemic. The dinner will consist of chicken cacciatore and rotini pasta, Romano vegetable medley, a roll with butter, fresh salad with homemade Greek dressing, and a pound cake for dessert. All proceeds will benefit MAMOW and its clients.

"It's a drive-up event because there are dine-in restrictions," said DeRenzis. "(Attendees) can just drive up in front of the church and we will run their meals out to them. They won't even need to leave their cars!"

Tickets for this event may be purchased by searching for "Millersville Area MOW Spring Italian Dinner" at Eventbrite, from any MAMOW board member, or by calling 717-872-2415. Anyone who is interested in volunteering or is in need of meals for a loved one may call 717-872-2415 or email office@mamow.org. For complete information about MAMOW, visit https://mamow.org/.

"We are a good service to the community; people rely on us," said DeRenzis. "I've made a lot of friends through the years. We're like a family."