The Texas County Food Pantry is dedicated to serving people in our community who find themselves in need of a helping hand.
2020 marks our 30th year! I’ve resided right here in Houston my whole life and yet did not realize what went on at the pantry until I started working here in 2016. For that reason, I want to let others know how vital this organization is to our county.
The name “Food Pantry” obviously makes you think of food distributed to people in need, and of course that is a huge service we provide. But there’s so much more! Our 30th year will be a perfect time to bring some of our other services to light.
This month I want to tell you about our Thrift Store.
There is a misconception that only those who are low income or in need can shop here. That is 100-percent not the case. The sales from our store is what pay our bills and keeps our doors open, and we need YOU to shop here.
I don’t mind telling you that 95-percent of my own clothing has been purchased right here, and that I am complimented often on my wardrobe. I’m proud to tell anyone that I don’t just work here, I shop here.
Our wonderful community is generous with their donations of goods and you never know from one day to the next what treasure you might find in our thrift store. And it’s not just what’s purchased in our store, but what is given out. Dishes, bedding, household necessities, clothing, shoes – these are all items that on any given day may be pulled off our shelves and given to someone who has asked for help.
Our donors should know that although they may not see it, those donated items left on our dock are instrumental in making a difference in the lives of others.
We appreciate you and ask for your continued help in making this organization available to serve our county for another 30 years.
Laura Crowley is executive director at the Texas County Food Pantry in Houston, Mo. To contact her, call 417-967-4844 or email tcfpdirector@centurytel.net. The Pantry is at 102A East Highway 17 in Houston.