Murphy Asked Me - Serving Together Since 2016

For nearly a decade, Murphy Asked Me, a volunteer group made up of retirees, friends, and community members, has been a steady and enthusiastic presence at Meals from the Heartland. Since 2016, their group has packaged thousands of meals for children and families facing food insecurity locally and around the world. Their continued involvement reflects the growing impact of organizations like Microsoft, who sponsor volunteer groups ranging from youth organizations to retiree networks, empowering teams of all ages and backgrounds to give back through meaningful hands-on service.

Why Murphy Asked Me Got Involved

The group’s motivation was simple: they wanted to serve together.

Many of the members had participated in earlier Hunger Fights and were looking for a way to do more for their community. They were drawn to the mission of Meals from the Heartland and appreciated that volunteering allowed them to use their time to step forward for the community, support volunteer organizations, and give back in a tangible way.

The group also spoke highly of the faith-based roots of the mission and the opportunity to build teamwork and strengthen relationships through service. Kathy Murphy, longtime volunteer, creator and namesake of Murphy Asked Me shared, “It’s a great volunteer opportunity, a chance to work together, stay active and do something meaningful.”

Their Volunteer Experience

Since their very first event in 2016, Murphy Asked Me has embraced the excitement of attending meal-packaging shifts. Group members return year after year because they genuinely enjoy the experience and see the impact it creates.

Their feedback reflects a consistent theme:

Great experience.
Everyone likes it.
Positive and enjoyable.
Worthwhile and a good cause.

The structure of the packaging atmosphere makes it easy for volunteers of any age or ability to participate. They shared that the experience is welcoming, well-organized, and always leaves them feeling good about what they've contributed to the community.

Benefits to the Group

For Murphy Asked Me, volunteering offers far more than a service opportunity, it strengthens their sense of purpose and community.

For retirees, this service is especially meaningful as they can continue to help others and feel good doing good. The meal-packaging environment provides the perfect blend of physical activity, teamwork, and mission-driven engagement.

Encouragement for Other Groups

Their message to other organizations, church groups, retiree’s, or corporate employee resource groups is:

Try it. Serve together. Make a difference in your community.

Kathy highlighted how easy it is to volunteer, how uplifting the experience is, and how meaningful it feels to be part of something bigger.

A Model for Corporate-Sponsored Community Service

Murphy Asked Me represents exactly the type of impact Microsoft aims to support through its sponsorship of volunteer groups at Meals from the Heartland. By sponsoring packaging shifts, companies make it possible for retirees, youth groups, faith-based communities, and employees to serve without financial barriers.

Murphy Asked Me shows what long-term volunteerism can look like when a community group is empowered to continue their mission to give back. Their commitment, nearly a decade strong, demonstrates how corporate support fuels service, connection, and real change.

Conclusion

Since 2016, Murphy Asked Me has been proving that when caring people come together, the impact multiplies. Their hands have filled thousands of meals, their hearts have encouraged others, and their example continues to inspire new groups to step into service.

“Try it, it’s fun. Wear good shoes!” - Kathy Murphy