The Texas County Food Pantry hosted a barbecue on June 14 honoring its volunteers from across the county. Pantry employees prepared the meal.
“It was a pleasure to recognize those who play such an integral part in making the (Texas County) Food Pantry a success,” Director Bennie Cook said.
Several of the volunteers have been dedicating their time for several years.
“Volunteers donate thousands of hours a year in order to help the food pantry achieve our mission of providing basic needs to the public,” Cook said. “Without these volunteers, the food pantry would struggle to exist.”
Volunteers are involved in all programs. The company’s food department has satellite food distribution locations in Plato, Summersville, Licking and Cabool, and volunteers distribute food to clients at these locations once a month.
Volunteers work in the pantry’s food department daily, preparing food for distribution and helping distribute food to clients in Houston. It is open 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
Volunteers also allot time to staff the thrift store, inspecting, sorting, cleaning, boxing and stocking donated items. Money made through thrift store sales helps support the pantry’s operating budget. The thrift store is 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. open Monday through Friday.
Finally, volunteers help with record keeping and answering the phones in the assistance office, which is open 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
To learn more about the Texas County Food Pantry, stop by and talk to Cook at the facility in Houston on Highway 17 just east of U.S. 63, call 417-967-4484 or email Cook at tcfpdirector@centurytel.net. You can also “like” the pantry on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TexasCountyFoodPantryInc.