More than 8,000 items Donated to Metrocrest Food Pantry
Yissel LingenbrinkCarrollton, Texas – Local members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints organized a food drive on May 2, 2020, benefiting Metrocrest Services, an organization serving Dallas and Denton Counties dedicated to helping families and individuals become self-sufficient. Over 8,000 food items were collected via a grassroots campaign organized and promoted largely through social media and JustServe. Supported by the residents of Carrollton, Lewisville, and Coppell, the food drive exceeded everyone’s expectations.
sort through donations, checking expiration dates.
“We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and donations from our friends at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” said Bev Grimley, the director of special programs at Metrocrest. “We
filled our van as well as the pickups and vans from some gracious members that helped us transport the donations to our pantry. It was so encouraging to be a part of a community that provides such unwavering support.”
Organizers were not sure what to expect with the nation dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic but wanted to do something to help Metrocrest fill its shelves. The original goal was to fill one Metrocrest van entirely. After two hours of receiving items, that goal was surpassed.
With the help of the Church of Jesus Christ missionaries serving in the area, a plan was created to use the outdoor space and ramada at the Carrollton church building. A drive-through, drop-off plan allowed numerous cars to drive up, and unload in a quick, minimal contact way for all involved.
Elder Freddy Madimba (from the Congo) and Elder
Cordell Campbell (from Idaho), help unload donations
from a steady line of cars Saturday afternoon.
The Church provided masks and gloves for all the missionaries to ensure they were kept safe and in compliance with social distancing requirements. Eight missionaries for the Church loaded, sorted, and organized the food. Local members assisted in inventorying the food and loading it into the vans.
“By all accounts, it was a tremendous success,” said Dayton Judd, a member of the Church’s local presidency. “Metrocrest seemed amazed and appreciative of the amount we were able to collect.”
“It feels so great to do something beneficial during these unusual times,” said Tiffany Foulger, the local director of communications for the Church. “Some of us have a little extra, and it’s a great feeling to share
with those in need.”
“Our slogan is ‘Building a Stronger Community Together’,” said Metrocrest’s Bev Grimley. “I couldn’t think of a better way to describe how important their support has been during this pandemic.”
Photos by Yissel Lingenbrink.
