Texas Family Embraces Community Service

Featured Photo: The Charmain and Barret Runyon Family. Screenshot from video by Colton and Anessa Woolford.

The Barret and Charmain Runyon family of the Fort Worth North Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints rallied neighbors this month in support of a holiday service project benefiting Community Link, an NW Tarrant County food pantry.

The Fort Worth North Stake partnered with Community Link in its 15th annual Christmas food drive to provide 1500 boxes of holiday dinners for those in need.

“We as a family took a look at this request and thought a lot about the world we live in,” said Barret Runyon, a father of four. “We thought about the impact of coronavirus and the economy as a result [. . .] There’s a lot of people who are not only in need of food and resources, but I think their hearts need help. We saw this as a small part that we as a family could do to step up.”

After enlisting their children’s support, the family decided to expand their reach. “We have really great neighbors, and we thought we would ask them if they would like to join in,” said mother Charmain Runyon.

The Runyon’s four children set out with the family wheelbarrow to see what they could collect from their generous neighbors. (Watch the video chronicling the Barret’s personal service experience HERE.)

“It made me feel good that I’m helping other people,” said son Nicholas.

“No matter what political party your are, what religion you are, rich, poor, everybody can serve; everybody can help. This is just a great way to do that,” said Barret.