State Representative Ken Paxton District 70
The unemployment rate in Texas reached eight percent recently and the federal unemployment rate is now over 10 percent. As a result the need for food clothing and shelter for individuals and families in our community is rising. With Thanksgiving just around the corner local charities are seeking volunteers and donations to serve people in need this holiday season.
One local pastor Joel Miller has even gone on a hunger strike and is currently living in a tent until he raises 30000 nonperishable food items for families in our community. For those of you looking to become involved below is some information regarding opportunities for donating time or resources to one of the following worthwhile causes and organizations in our community.
McKinney Food Drive is an effort to collect 30000 nonperishable food items for people in need and an opportunity to create awareness about the homeless issue affecting a rising number of individuals and families in our community. Local pastor Joel Miller has partnered with city leaders area businesses churches and residents to gather food to distribute during the upcoming holidays. As of today he has been on a hunger strike for 12 days and has raised 8000 of the 30000 items of food. For more information about the McKinney Food Drive or to learn more about making a donation please visit
http://www.mckinneyfooddrive.com/.
Allen Community Outreach Center (ACO) is the primary community service agency committed to improving the quality of life for individuals in need living in and around the City of Allen. This organization provides basic necessities to individuals in need as well as empowers people through programs that teach independent living skills. For the holidays ACO will be collecting food for Thanksgiving and toys and gifts for children teens and seniors for Christmas. Additionally ACO needs volunteers to sort box and deliver holiday donations and drivers to deliver food as part of their Meals on Wheels program. For more information please call their volunteer services department at (972) 727-9131 or visit their website at
http://www.acocares.org.
Frisco Family Services has been providing social services to the people of Frisco since 1995. Their goal is to offer temporary assistance to help people in need and assist them in becoming productive members of the community. Frisco Family Services has a large food pantry where qualified families can shop using vouchers. They are currently seeking donations for holiday food baskets and items for their food pantry. Additionally they are currently looking for angels to provide holiday gifts for children teenagers parents or senior citizens. Volunteers are always needed for day-to-day operations as well as for their holiday projects. For more information please call (972) 335-9495 or visit their website at
http://www.friscocenter.org.
Samaritan Inn has served the homeless population in Collin County for over 20 years by providing food shelter and a variety of other services to its residents in order to help them achieve independence. During the holidays and other special occasions the staff at the Inn work to create a special and memorable experience for all residents. To volunteer or contribute financially please contact the Inn at (972) 542-5302 or visit their website at
http://www.thesamaritaninn.org.
As Collin County grows we have the opportunity to build a strong philanthropic community. I hope the families in our community will make a pledge to serve others this holiday season.
