Allen Food Pantry Needs Prompt Social Media Campaign
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ALLEN (CBS11) - A social media campaign helps stock the shelves at a Collin County food pantry, but volunteers hope it's more than just a quick fix.
Customers at Allen Community Outreach Food Pantry tell us for the last few months the shelves have been getting empty faster and more often. The people in charge say they think that's because more people are learning about the food bank, which is a good thing, but they want to make sure they can continue to serve them all.
For customers like Kristy Gilbert, Allen's food bank has been a life saver.
"To be able to come here and to get things that you can't get by yourself is just... I'm sorry... but it's a blessing," she said.
Kristy lost her job last November and started coming here in May. She says she's noticed lately there's less food available.
"It's still a blessing regardless of how little there is. Every little bit counts," she said.
But on Tuesday supplies got so low, the food bank actually had to tell mothers and their children to come back in a few days when more food might be available. Allen Community Outreach Director of Community Devel0pment Marjorie Burr knew she had to do something.
"It was kind of a knee jerk thing, oh my gosh we're out; what's the quickest, fastest thing we can do; let's put it on Facebook," Burr said.
That Facebook post spread fast with more than a thousand shares. Donations started immediately, many from parents who took their children shopping with them.
"What I really loved about it is teaching them to think about others, and they also got to learn about how much groceries really do cost," said Jennifer Larriviere, who gave her kids a list of items and a budget.
"I learned to help others, do the right thing, and help out anyone you can," Larriviere's nine-year-old son Jackson said.
Now those in need are getting more than just food. They're getting inspiration.
"I started a job this week, so I'm hoping by this time next month I won't have to do this, and I'm hoping I'll be in a position where I can actually donate, you know, and help pay forward," Kristy said.
The people in charge of the food pa try tell us even though the response has been overwhelming, the donations will all be gone by Monday.
You can donate to the food pantry by following this link:
Read the pantry's Facebook post here:
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