MAACO of Plant City often steps up to the plate when there is a need.
When Timothy Ferguson came to them with an idea that could impact dozens of lives, MAACO owner Brian Chumbler jumped at the chance to give back in whatever way they could.
Ferguson arrived with an old, beat-up golf cart. The hope was MAACO would be able transform the cart into something that the community could be proud of.
Ferguson was in the military for approximately 30 years and now delivers food to homeless veterans and veterans that are homebound and can’t go to the store themselves. Everything from canned goods to breads and pastries are loaded up into the golf cart and hauled to eager recipients.
Ferguson originally hoped MAACO could help the cart become something that was reputable and gained respect everywhere it went.
“I came here and Brian is a military guy himself so he just, he understood what I was trying to do,” Ferguson said. “They stepped up to the plate and fixed this cart up. It’s amazing really what they were able to do. We use it every day. Meat, bread, pastries — really anything we can get from Feeding America, we run out to these guys.”
A lack of transportation among older veterans has put many in a tough spot, Ferguson said. He takes the goods and brings it to them, and all he ever asks in return is maybe a cold drink to fight the blazing Florida sun.
Chumbler went well beyond just giving the cart a paint job. He said there was serious work that needed to be done. Essentially the entire cart was stripped and slowly put back together as each piece was restored to its former glory. He then surprised Ferguson with the purchase of some emblems of the different armed forces that are proudly mounted on the front of the cart.
“We’re a small, veteran-owned business,” Chumbler said. “We really appreciate Plant City’s support and as long as we can do it, we will always support our veterans.”
Chumbler isn’t the only one to have pitched in to bring this to live. Carts R Us out of Lakeland helped with the repairs and others have donated time and money to help with the cause. And over time it has only continued to grow. Now Ferguson has multiple golf carts ready for action. Volunteers help him distribute the food to those in need and MAACO continues to offer a helping hand.
Ferguson said any veteran service or activity that wishes to have access to one of the carts needs only ask. He’s also always looking for donations to further the reach of his operation. For more information, you can contact Ferguson at 315-854-2516.