In 2017, Oklahoma natives Jim and Sheryl Hubbard found themselves retired, new to Mesquite and looking for something meaningful to fill their time. “Our hobbies are reading—last year, we read a combined 160 books—and our granddaughters, Cassie, 9 and Jordan, 7. “We were looking for a volunteer opportunity where we could give back to others,” said Sheryl.
It was a fateful day at Rutherford Senior Center in 2017 when Inga Wilson, Managing Director of Meals on Wheels & Population Health, spoke to a group of bunco fanatics prior to the start of their game about Meals on Wheels. Little did she know she hit the volunteer jackpot in Jim and Sheryl Hubbard.
“Inga told us about what it takes to be a volunteer and we said ‘That’s it! Sign us up! We’re ready to go!’ said Jim. Since 2017, the duo has delivered a whopping 11,072 meals to the Meals on Wheels clients in Mesquite.
Inga suggested signing up for one day a week to start and Jim and Sheryl agreed. Committing to one day a week allows them to sub most other days, often picking up two routes at a time. “We try not to schedule anything in the mornings in case we are needed for a route”, says Jim. They’ve delivered every route in Mesquite.
The team has their delivery duties down pat. Jim drives and makes calls to the clients while Sheryl sorts and delivers to the door. “Our clients are very nice and very welcoming,” says Sheryl. “they know us by name and by face and they are so appreciative. In fact, I have one gentleman who I talk Dallas Cowboy football with every week. We both appreciate the conversation!’ she says. Jim has a client who, at the age of 80, is “kinda sweet on him” says Sheryl. “At 75, I’m a spring chicken to her!” laughs Jim.