For the past eight years, Minnie’s Food Pantry has been one of Plano’s best efforts, distributing free healthy meals, including fresh meats to local families in need. However, on July 6, the walk-in freezer at Minnie’s Food Pantry broke. They lost a slew of supplies, particularly meat, what was reported on their Facebook to be 143 crates, devastating to the families they serve.
However, the community has rallied to help. The City of Plano expedited the inspection to get the freezer fixed as soon as possible. The next week saw volunteers from Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Bluejay Wireless & Frontier Communications, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Texas Instruments, The Vant Group, Merrill Lynch, AT&T and more, helping Minnie’s clear out and set back up.
Air Heat North Texas came out to fix their air in the WOW center. KFC donated gift cards to give out to families in need and McDonalds also donated food. Whole Foods sent over fresh ground beef and chicken, while Dark Hour Haunted House donated $1,000.
Community donations poured in: Two Lucas Christian Academy students raised money for Minnie’s in lieu of receiving presents, providing 70 pounds of food and 708 meals with their $236 cash donations; another $240 was raised by a couple of students at Dallas Patriots Premier Baseball Academy; and a young boy who opened a lemonade stand gave Minnie’s $26.
By July 13, Minnie’s Food Pantry had returned to full service.
Minnie’s responded to the many donations: “Thank you to those that have stepped up during our time of need and answered the Call to Action to help us MEAT our goal of re-opening our facility.”
However, their need is great and doesn’t end there. The Parker Women’s Club is hosting a food drive to benefit Minnie’s Food Pantry in Plano. Area residents can donate a canned or boxed food item that’s in-date and in good condition and not in a glass container. Donations are being collected at Parker City Hall. Recipients include children on summer break, single moms, grandparents caring for grandchildren, veterans, and those experiencing medical setbacks.
Parker Women’s Club Food Drive
When: July 18–29
Where: Parker City Hall | 5700 E Parker Rd. Allen, TX 75002
More on Minnie’s: To donate to Minnie’s Food Pantry, or follow their story, visit their website, minniesfoodpantry.org, or their Twitter, or Facebook.
