For Westbrook residents Lauri Palmer and Brooklyn Graham Kennedy, volunteering isn't about recognition—it's about helping neighbors in a tangible, meaningful way. Through their work with Lasagna Love, both women are using their time, talents, and kitchens to provide comfort and support to families facing difficult circumstances.

Lasagna Love began during the COVID-19 pandemic when a mother and daughter in San Diego started making and delivering homemade meals to struggling neighbors. What began as a simple act of kindness quickly grew into a nationwide grassroots movement powered entirely by volunteers. Today, the organization's mission remains straightforward: feed families, spread kindness, and strengthen communities by ensuring that no one feels alone during challenging times.

Palmer has been volunteering with Lasagna Love for the past five months. She was drawn to the organization's practical approach to helping others and appreciates the direct impact volunteers can have on families in need.

"The organization offers comfort, compassion, and a reminder that no one is alone during difficult times," Palmer said.

Kennedy, who has volunteered with Lasagna Love for about six months, shares a similar passion for hands-on service.

"I am all about what I call 'boots on the ground' volunteering," Kennedy explained. "I don't want to write a check or buy something I don't need from some organization. If I can contribute with hard work and see my results in real time, then I am all in.”

Lasagna Love volunteers prepare meals in their own kitchens using their own ingredients before personally delivering them to individuals and families who have requested assistance. Through their volunteer work, Palmer and Kennedy have provided meals to single mothers, families experiencing financial hardship, and individuals facing medical challenges who simply need a little extra support during a difficult season.

"It's a healthy meal prepared with your own hands and delivered to neighbors who sign up," Kennedy said.

While neither Palmer nor Kennedy currently has family members volunteering alongside them, both are passionate advocates for the organization's mission and encourage others to get involved.

According to Palmer, one of the greatest needs right now is awareness.

"There are lots of volunteers ready to cook and deliver meals, but many families who could benefit from the program don't realize it exists," she said. "Sharing information with friends, neighbors, schools, churches, community groups, and on social media can help reach more people who may need a little extra support."

Kennedy notes that becoming a volunteer is simple, with interested individuals able to sign up directly through the Lasagna Love website.

Both women also appreciate the strong sense of community that makes serving others in this area especially rewarding.

Palmer and her family first began visiting the area more than 20 years ago before making it their full-time home 13 years ago. While she has watched Pooler grow tremendously over the years, she says the people are what make it special.

"What really makes it feel like home for me is our neighborhood," she said. "It's walkable, the neighbors are friendly, and it's a nice mix of younger families, empty nesters, and older folks. There are always people out walking their dogs too, which I love, because I will absolutely stop to pet every dog that lets me."

Kennedy, who moved to the area in September 2025, enjoys the region's accessibility and opportunities for exploration.

"For me, I'm a wanderer," she said. "I love the proximity to Atlanta, Jacksonville, and Charleston, and I can easily use it as a jumping-off point."

Through their volunteer efforts with Lasagna Love, Palmer and Kennedy demonstrate that making a difference doesn't always require grand gestures. Sometimes it starts with a homemade meal, a caring heart, and a willingness to help a neighbor in need. One lasagna at a time, they are helping strengthen the bonds of community and reminding others that kindness can be one of the most powerful ingredients of all.