After spending four decades in dentistry, including serving four years in the Army Dental Corps, Dr. John Waldron decided to give back to the community in another way – as a volunteer started volunteering for Jewish Family Services in 2017.
After hearing about JFS from his friends, Waldron’s first volunteered as a JET Express driver. As a volunteer driver, he has transported 29 older adults across the metropolitan area 85 times. One of Waldron’s most memorable trips was picking up a woman at the Atriums senior living center who had family connections.
“She was a contemporary of my mother-in-law and knew her well. She told me stories about her and my wife,” Waldron said. “It was very uplifting to me to be able to help her with transportation to the activities that she loved. It gave her great joy to participate in those activities and added to her quality of life.”
While Waldron continues as a Jet Express driver, due to the COVID-19 pandemic he has shifted his volunteer focus to working with the JFS food pantry in Brookside once or twice a week.
"John smiles with his eyes and has fun while doing the heavy lifting of loading clients' cars with their customized orders,” said Brittani Rhodes, JFS food pantry manager. “He is detailed-oriented in shopping and making sure that our clients receive the best of what we have available.”
“John is always willing to take on projects, help out where needed to keep our systems running smoothly, all while showing great adaptability to changes that occur during a shift.”
“John’s interactions with clients are filled with kindness, humor, and great hospitality,” added Lauren Weinberg, JFS’ Brookside food pantry coordinator.
Waldron has called Kansas City home for more than 50 years. In addition to volunteering with JFS, he served as a board member for The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah and currently participates in the synagogue’s Brotherhood program serving on various committees.
In his spare time, he tries to walk five miles per day, while listening to podcasts and audio books. He also enjoys traveling to visit his son and daughter, two grandchildren, and a grand doggie who live in Chicago and Detroit.
For Waldron, his time spent volunteering is fulfilling.
“I believe that adding joy to people less fortunate or isolated enriches our lives,” he said. “I have been blessed with good health having more than most people. It is rewarding spiritually, morally and ethically.”
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact the volunteer engagement team at (913) 730-1410 or .
