When the Unexpected Happens
Buck M. – Barren County
It is not unusual to find Buck McCawley lending a helping hand to his fellow community members. Whether he is helping to fix something, delivering newsletters to his neighborhood, or volunteering monthly at the Housing Authority of Glasgow’s HERO Center for commodity distribution, he has never met a stranger he couldn’t talk to. He is always willing to lend a helping hand. “I like to help people because everybody needs help sometimes. That is the way I have always been. Even I need help. It makes you feel good when people know that there is someone out there who cares about them,” said Buck.
Growing up, Buck knew he wanted to have a good job, family, friends, and stability. He envisioned one day having a home of his own. He wasn’t afraid of hard work to get what he wanted. Buck stated, “I’ve been working since long before I was old enough to work.” He spent many years working as a truck driver hauling feed, furniture, and other items. He even worked as a concrete laborer.
27 years ago, Buck, now 65, met his wife Marie, now 59. He knew she was the one to share his hopes and dreams with. Both had children from previous relationships and raising a family of nine wasn’t always easy, but they made it work. “I had my own house and that was a good feeling.” However, after a serious car accident, Buck found himself unemployed and unable to work.
As a result, not only did he lose his home, truck, and trailer, but his means to support himself and his family. “After 11 years in my own home, Marie and I found ourselves in government assisted housing. We just couldn’t pay the bills,” said Buck as he reflected on that time.
Buck stated, “We have been getting food assistance for about 4½ years now. We get both the elderly box program and the USDA (bag) program. Sometimes we even get fresh produce from mobile pantries. This food helps out because sometimes we run out of food. Without this help, Marie and I wouldn’t be able to make it month to month. Living on a fixed income and a small amount of food stamps makes it hard to take care of all your needs. You really have to stretch your dollars.”
Buck described how he thinks such programs help a lot of people, and that he is glad that there is help for people who need it. “Thank you Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland for helping my family.”
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