Ruby Gambers delivers sustenance and connection: the perfect combination for East Side resident Jorge Gonzalez. He says the visits have given him a real hand as he gets older.

It’s part of the routine for Gambers, who has volunteered for Citymeals on Wheels for close to two decades.

“It’s very important for people to realize that there are a lot of seniors that are homebound, can’t cook for themselves or can’t, you know, go in and buy their own groceries and what have you,” she said. “And this affords them the opportunity to stay in their own homes and be independent.”

What You Need To Know

  • Ruby Gambers has been a volunteer with Citymeals on Wheels for almost two decades

  • Her late father, who received Citymeals services, inspired her to join the cause

  • Gambers volunteers packing meals at a local community center and sorting through the well wishes at Citymeals' office

The Manhattan resident knows that firsthand. The nonprofit made routine deliveries to her father until he died in 2005.

“Citymeals was very helpful in keeping my dad at home as long as he did stay within his own environment and gave him dignity that he needed,” she said.

Rachel Sherrow, the organization’s chief operating officer, had high praise for Gambers.

“It really is a sense of family that, that Ruby brings to us, to the recipients, to the folks in the kitchens. She’s really a terrific volunteer,” Sherrow said.

Now Gambers is helping twice a week. She spends one day in the kitchen at the Stanley Isaacs Neighborhood Center and the other around the Citymeals office sifting through the notes that come in for their clients.

"After sorting the cards and seeing all of the beautiful sentiments inside them, it just makes my day,” Gambers said.

She hopes to instill those same feelings for the people Citymeals serves.

“We are the eyes and ears, and we make sure that they’re all okay and they’re happy to get the meals,” she said.

For bringing care and nourishment, Ruby Gambers is our New Yorker of the Week.