What does it mean to be committed, tolerant and patient? Ask Bev and Will McCaslin of Burleson. Committed to one another for more than three decades, the McCaslins quipped that tolerance and patience walk hand-in-hand. She’s tolerant. He’s patient.

“And we pray a lot,” Bev added. And that recipe has resulted in a wonderful relationship.

It’s that amorous allegiance the McCaslins bring to the table in all their endeavors that makes the pair a perfect addition to the Johnson and Ellis County Meals-on-Wheels volunteer program. The couple has their system down to a science. Will drives the route and Bev does the “hand-off” of each meal from the back seat. Depending on the delivery, Bev may bag the bounty to enhance an expeditious delivery.  It’s an efficient coordination that exemplifies the pair’s successful association.

“She’s my supervisor,” Will quipped.

The couple has also developed affection for all of the clients on the route and shared some of the endearing qualities that they’ve come to appreciate. For example, there’s  J.W. Wimberly. The spry Burleson resident was not only a former mayor of Hubbard, Texas, a small town southeast of Hillsboro, he was dedicated to community service there in the same manner in which the McCaslins operate. He used to deliver Meals-on-Wheels himself in the early 80s. At 94 years old, Wimberly remembered his history with placid fluidity.

“It was far enough away from the big towns, it was just there and that was it,” Wimberly recalled his political roots. “There was no industry or nothing there.

“Most of the town got blown away in 1975 -  had a tornado down there and it blowed most of the town away,” he said. “It was just a small town and a good place to live. I really enjoyed helping the people as much as I could.”

The McCaslins said it’s seniors like Wimberly that make their route both a privilege and a pleasure. “You’re not doing it for recognition or anything,” Will explained. “Your reward – you get it everyday every time you make your delivery you get your reward.”
Volunteers are needed throughout our communities to deliver nourishing meals to the homebound and elderly. Convenient “pick-up points” expedite the delivery process for volunteers in their prospective communities.

Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties deliver noontime meals Monday through Friday in most of the communities served.  Meals-on-Wheels is a dual-county program covering over 1,700 square miles. “A route takes no more than an hour to deliver, and provides the daily contact for those we serve,” said Whitney Patterson, Johnson County volunteer coordinator.  “We continue to need volunteers to help get meals delivered, as well as local monies to support our organization,” she added.

During the month of March, Meals-on-Wheels along with other meal programs throughout the country, participate in the “March for Meals” Campaign.  This year’s slogan is “So No Senior Goes Hungry.”  The Campaign has three primary goals: (1) raise awareness of senior hunger, (2) recruit new volunteers to help address the issue, and (3) raise needed funds to be used at the local level.  Meals-on-Wheels is promoting the local program through media outlets, “Mayors for Meals”, and a special event: “Night Under the Stars” Campaign Kickoff & Celebration.

“Mayors for Meals” is scheduled for March 18 with local mayors, delivering meals in their prospective communities. 

The Campaign Kickoff for the new kitchen facility will be held on March 28 at the new site of the kitchen at TXI Railport with a reception and BBQ dinner to follow, live entertainment, dancing, and chances to win prizes.  Congressman Joe Barton, the honorary Kitchen Campaign chair, will be the special guest.  The Joe Barton Family Foundation has made the lead gift for the building of the kitchen.   

“We encourage anyone who would like to help or be involved anyway that you can; whether that be through volunteering, donating, coming to our event,  or just telling others about our services,” commented Amy Jackson, director of development.  

For more information about the Kickoff event, volunteering, or services, please contact the Meals-on-Wheels offices at 817-558-2840, or on the web at www.servingthechildrenofyesterday.org.  Meals-on-Wheels is a community-based, non-profit organization serving the homebound elderly and disabled residents throughout Johnson and Ellis Counties for 32 years. 

Will and Bev McCaslin make lunch deliveries in Burleson for Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis County. J.W. Wimberly delivered Meals-on-Wheels when he was the Mayor of a small east Texas town in  the 1980s. Now he receives lunch time meals from Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis County.

J.W. Wimberly looks forward to his midday meal delivered by Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis County. Pictured with Wimberly is volunteer Will McCaslin who, along with his wife, Bev, donates his time to the program on a weekly basis.