Marianne McGuire

Over thirty years ago, Marianne McGuire heard about Aid for Friends through St. Laurentius Church in her home in Philadelphia’s Fishtown section.  

She had just gotten married, moved to the city, and was looking for someplace to volunteer. A speaker came to the church to talk about the free meal delivery program of what is today Caring for Friends. 

It appealed to Marianne at first because she did something similar in Pittsburgh. So she stopped by the Caring for Friends office and introduced herself to the founder, Rita Schiavone, who invited her to join her for a cup of tea.  

“There, Rita shared with her why she started this nonprofit. Her story was very heartwarming. I thought, ‘She’s really something!’ It was like meeting a legend.” 

Marianne volunteered to help since she had some free time on the weekends. She signed up to help several clients because she was comfortable caring for the elderly from her experience working in a nursing home in high school. 

Since then, Marianne has befriended around up to 60 clients. She has enjoyed the experience because she loves to cook and always has leftovers to make into meals and share with clients.  

She believes volunteering is good for the soul – a positive for both clients and volunteers. 

“Doing this work was good fellowship. I know I was the only person they spoke to in person on a weekly basis – I was it. It made me feel so blessed and I was glad I was able to help them.”  

When she could, she’d help with any extra chores like hanging clothes on their clotheslines, folding the laundry or sorting mail because it could be hard for an elderly person to do so.  

“To me it was all about Rita’s mission – ‘sharing food and friendship’ – it was not just about food. You’re being blessed by letting them trust you.”  

Marianne encourages people to consider getting involved: “It’s a really worthwhile effort. People count on you. And that’s what makes CFF special. It’s more than just dropping off meals.”