Marilyn Carney is a frequent volunteer with Grocery Bags for Seniors who began her service with the Food Shuttle after a quick Google search, inspired by her experience with Dorcas Ministries in Cary. Originally from Richmond, VA, Marilyn has always had a heart for serving her community by promoting literacy and addressing food insecurity. Since moving to Garner, she has cultivated a wide local network of community involvement, including tutoring for Wake County literacy programs and working with the Clayton Center for Active Aging. She notes she has a particular interest in child and senior hunger initiatives due to their increased vulnerability and actively coordinates a group from her church, Cary 1st Christian Church, to volunteer with Grocery Bags for Seniors each time there is an opening!
Among her philanthropic activities, Marilyn enjoys the beauty of research which she developed after a successful first career in cytotechnology. Marilyn set her eyes on UNC’s Library Science graduate program to further her skills in research. She later retired in 2013 from her second career at Wake Tech as head health sciences librarian. In her retirement, Marilyn uses those skills by participating in the National Genealogy Society, the North Carolina Genealogy Society and the Page-Walker Arts & History Center. Her family is one of her greatest sources of joy and uncovering and sharing her family history is her current priority. Storytelling has always been an essential tool for education and recognition, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share a glimpse of Marilyn’s story.
The Food Shuttle values the unique stories each of our volunteers shares and is inspired by Marilyn’s dedication to her neighbors and her effort to look beyond herself in her community. She is a true mission-minded individual who admittedly cannot recognize the difference between her day-to-day acts of kindness and formalized volunteering. To her, each day serves as an opportunity to help others beyond a traditional volunteer shift. We thank you, Marilyn!