Darren Hills stood frozen when he spotted an older man whose face was covered in blood. It had dripped from a sizable gash on his forehead. Darren wasn’t sure what to do. “I was stunned,” he remembered.
This all happened several years ago when Darren was accompanying Barrie Yochim, executive director of
Meals on Wheels of the Jamestown Area, on a delivery route. The two had met in 2013 when Barrie approached Shults Subaru in Jamestown, New York, about a potential partnership.
Darren was the retailer’s sales manager and a longtime supporter of hunger-related causes. For years, he and his family were involved with local soup kitchens, spending their holidays helping the less fortunate. “I wanted to give my son and daughter the experience of seeing what life looks like when you don’t have a tree full of Christmas presents,” Darren explained, “and a table full of food.”
Naturally, Darren jumped at the opportunity to collaborate with another hunger-related charity in his professional role. So, one morning, he helped Barrie load a car with food, and the two set off to visit homebound seniors.
“It was a truly remarkable experience; I met many wonderful local folks and was in awe of watching Barrie in action,” said Darren. “He knew every single recipient’s name, personal history, and how to best serve their individual needs.”
Barrie also knew how to address emergencies. When the two arrived at the bleeding client’s home, the Meals on Wheels leader immediately contacted 911 and put direct pressure on the wound. He and Darren asked the senior what happened. “I was mopping the floor,” the man explained, pointing to a bucket of orange-scented soap. “I slipped.”
Darren couldn’t help but wonder what may have happened if he and Barrie hadn’t knocked on his door that morning. “My eyes and heart were opened to seeing the local need,” he said, explaining that this powerful moment helped him realize the full scope of Meals on Wheels services, which begins with the meal but includes so much more.
It also inspired him to deepen his work with area seniors. In 2017, Darren joined Meals on Wheels of the Jamestown Area’s board of directors. Five years later, he was elected board president.
Darren also continued to nurture Shults Subaru’s partnership with Meals on Wheels. During Subaru Share the Love® Events nationwide, Subaru and its retailers donate a minimum of $300 to charity, like Meals on Wheels, for every new vehicle purchased or leased now through January 2, 2024.* In Jamestown last year, this unique fundraiser directed nearly $21,000 to the local Meals on Wheels program led by Barrie.
This massive accomplishment was a team effort that deserved a “monumental thank you,” said Darren. “From the Shults Subaru staff to everyone involved at Meals on Wheels of Jamestown. Without their commitment and dedication, we would not be who we are.”
The Subaru commitment to be “more than a car company” deserves a monumental thank you as well. Over the past 15 years through the Subaru Share the Love Event, Subaru and its retailers have donated and delivered more than 4.3 million meals and friendly visits to seniors served by Meals on Wheels. This funding allows us to deliver nutrition and companionship to millions of homebound seniors across the country.
It also allows volunteers like Darren to take care of their neighbors. “I really enjoy what I do. I love the people that I work around,” he said. “And getting to be a part of Meals on Wheels just makes it that much better.”
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*Subaru will donate $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased from November 16, 2023, through January 2, 2024, to four national charities designated by the purchaser or lessee. The four national charities will receive a guaranteed minimum donation of $250,000 each. All donations made by Subaru of America, Inc. Pre-approved Hometown Charities may be selected for donation depending on retailer participation. For every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased during the campaign period, participating retailers will donate a minimum of $50 in total to their registered Hometown Charities. Purchasers/lessees must make their charity designations by January 12, 2024. See your local Subaru retailer for details or visit subaru.com/share.