DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News) – As the Easter holiday approaches, Minnie’s Food Pantry’ in Plano is asking for the public’s help during the coronavirus pandemic. Founder Cheryl Jackson says she has worked for non-profits for 30 years, but has never seen anything like this. “I have never seen such gratitude, first of all, from someone trying to come and get a meal for their family….But I see fear in these people’s eyes.”
The organization said it usually helps 2,000 to 2,500 families per week. This week, Minnie’s is working to support area schools by preparing 700 boxes of food for food insecure families for distribution by Wednesday. High on the priority list is boxed cereal, canned meat, peanut butter, canned fruit, & boxed potatoes.
In a telephone interview Monday, Jackson became noticeably emotional while sharing that she herself was once a child who’s family relied on others to help when her family needed food. “Anybody that’s on the front line whether it’s a doctor, a nurse, or someone like me that’s just handing out a box of food, just say a prayer for all of us. This is what we’re called to do, help each other. And that’s what I’m trying to do is just help my neighbors. And I am so sorry for the tears.”
Minnie’s is asking for items ASAP in order to help families that would otherwise go without meals this holiday weekend. Donations can be delivered to:
Minnie’s Food Pantry
661 18th Street
Plano, TX 75074
“Come around to the back of the building. There’s a doorbell. It just says ring Minnie’s Bell. That was my mom’s name, Minnie Bell. So it seems like every time we run out of food, my mother’s bell would ring. And….she passed four years ago, but it’s just like it’s a message from Heaven. Here she is. Ring the bell and there’s what we need. So just ring the bell and we’ll be happy to come out and assist you in the car, said Jackson.”
The pantry accepts donations in person Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Specifically on Tuesday April 7th, the pantry will be open 8a.m. to 12:30p.m.
Cash donations can be made here: https://minniesfoodpantry.org/donate/
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