Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties accepted a new meal delivery van from the Caesar’s Foundation on Thursday, April 14. This new van is to aid in the Senior Nutrition Program, delivering meals to seniors in need. A brief presentation with local elected officials, current and former Meals-on-Wheels Board members, and volunteers were present.

After remarks from Commissioner John Matthews and Meals-on-Wheels Chairperson Paula Baucum, Bob Herbolsheimer, Vice President and General Counsel for Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA), presented Vinsen Faris, Meals-on-Wheels executive director, with the keys. The presentation was followed with a brunch reception.

“We are thrilled with the donation, and couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Vinsen Faris, executive director. “A lot of our equipment is showing wear, and a new van will enable us serve the homebound throughout our service area for years to come,” he added.

The gift was a “surprise,” as Meals-on-Wheels was chosen to receive the donation out of many worthy meal programs across the country. “The vehicle donation comes at a time when the majority of Meals On Wheels programs are facing significant impacts due to the rise in food and gas prices as well as the struggling economy,” said Bob Herbolsheimer, MOWAA representative. “We were excited to be here making this presentation!” he added. The van then made an inaugural trip during Thursday’s noon deliveries with MOWAA’s Mr. Berbolsheimer and Marley Rave to a handful of Cleburne residents.

Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties is a community benefit organization that serves needy elderly and disabled persons throughout Johnson and Ellis Counties. Founded in 1976, the organization currently serves over 3,000 homebound persons per year in a two-county service area. Meals-on-Wheels provides home-delivered meals, transportation services, caregiver education, “Ani-Meals” pet food program, and information & assistance support to families with needy elderly and disabled family members. For more information, contact Meals-on-Wheels at 817-558-2840 or 972-351-9943, or online at “www.servingthechildrenofyesterday.org.”http://www.servingthechildrenofyesterday.org/