A letter of Thanks!

The past week was so emotional for me. As President of The Giving Movement, I have experienced alot of moments this year but none more challenging that last week. I have always believed that Christmas brings out the best in all of us, but this year, Minnie's Food Pantry realized more than ever what it means to depend upon the kindness of strangers. This Christmas Eve, we faced the challenge of our roof literally caving in destroying not only parts of our business office, but most importantly flooding and spoiling massive quantities of food in the storage areas that were in position to feed hundreds of families in the weeks of the New Year. On the heels of a difficult economic year for everyone, including The Giving Movement and Minnie's Food Pantry, the devastation was almost too much to bare.
Many of the news stations arrived to cover our story, which in turn, brought many of you, our "Christmas angels," to our doors with offers of help, donations, and in general good will with an added perfect blend of comfort and joy. Amidst the snow and cold, ruin and tears, a terrible accident that did so much harm was weaved into a special blessing that all of you helped turned to good.

We have a long way to go to put us back on our feet, but your kindness became the first step in rebuilding our foundation of brick and mortar, faith and hope, and our ability to keep to our cause of helping our neighbors in need. It would be impossible to convey the depth of our gratitude, but please know your involvement made a difference.


We know the chain of giving that you have started will be forged with strong links for the future and we pray that you and your families will be blessed with all good gifts. Thank you for your kindness, generosity, support and good will. Please keep in touch with us and know we are here to help, even you, should you ever need us. Finally, your donation is 100% tax deductible, please look for an email from E Simon of the Giving Movement that will include information for your tax records.

In closing, my prayer for you in 2010 is:
That your troubles are less, and Your Blessings be more, and Nothing but happiness, comes through your doors! Happy New Year!

Gov. Rick Perry today placed a friendly wager with Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today placed a friendly wager with Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue over the outcome of today’s Independence Bowl game between the Texas A&M University Aggies and the University of Georgia Bulldogs.

“Georgia has a tremendous football program, but they’re going to find out the hard way just why Texas is the center of the football universe,” Gov. Perry said. “As an Aggie myself, you might say I’m biased, but I’ve seen this team grow each week under Coach Sherman, and I know the Aggies will take home a victory and send the Bulldogs back home to Georgia.”

Gov. Perdue offered a different point of view.

“In 2007, Governor Perry graciously flew the Georgia flag at the Texas Capitol after the Warner Robins Little Leaguers defeated Texas for the U.S. championship in route to their World Series title,” Gov. Perdue said. “Now in the Christmas Season, Gov. Perry is seeking to redeem himself with another wager. However, I am confident that Coach Richt and the Bulldogs will deliver for Georgia and the Atlanta Community Food Bank.”

In the spirit of friendly competition, Gov. Perry has wagered Mesquite Smoked Peppered Beef Tenderloin donated by the Perini Ranch Steakhouse in Buffalo Gap. When the Aggies beat the Bulldogs, Gov. Perry will donate the food from Georgia to Minnie’s Food Pantry in Plano.

The Independence Bowl takes place in Shreveport, La. This year’s game begins at 4 p.m. CDT.
Key Points
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•Gov. Perry places friendly wager with Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue
•Texas A&M and University of Georgia will face off in the Independence Bowl
•If A&M wins, food will be donated to Minnie's Food Pantry in Plano
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Christmas week and Minnie's is Going Strong!

The downturn in our nations economy is still affecting thousands, and has been very apparent this Christmas Season here in Plano Texas. This Saturday Minnie's Food Pantry had its annunal Christmas food and toy giveaway. We served 459 adults and 342 children!!!

Today. On Tuesday, December 22 Minnie's Food Pantry is still going strong for Christmas. We served 32 families and 120 people! Because of the consistent toy donations of local generous strangers, we had an excess toys and was still able to give to certain age groups, needless to say we saw tons of smiles on the children's faces, as well as their parents!

Today Minnie's Food Pantry served 32 Families and 103 people!!

What a day! We had wonderful volunteers and the parade was awesome.!

Today Minnie's Food Pantry served 34 families that had a total of 136 people in them. On top of that, I was the Grand Marshal of the Plano Christmas Parade.
I will post photos of the FUN FILLED activities I was involved in all day!

Angels or Generous Strangers

What happens when you have a dream and a desire to help others? What happens when your dream is so much bigger than your personal bank account? That's where I have been for the last year, I have questioned who I really am and am I doing the right thing because times are getting tougher and when I look into the eyes of people that NEED help I feel helpless myself. I am not sure where to start but on this day, I will start by saying I am so grateful that there are people who have connected to my dream and to the vision.
Yesterday when I returned from Good Morning Texas there was a wlady with a wonderful smile and she seemed very quite but her donation to our organization spoke for her. (Let's call her Laurie) she handed a check to us that would feed almost 200 families for ONE WEEK! or purchase enough toys for 75 kids! I was so happy and the best part is that she may come back and volunteer with us!
Sometimes you never know where your blessing will come from so I will end by saying always trust your heart and trust that people with good hearts like Laurie and John will find you when you need them the most.
Until tomorrow,
Do Something good today!

Minnie's Food Pantry continues to feed the hungry

12.11.09 Minnie's Food Pantry served 25 families/89 People today. We will continue to serve our community and we honored to be the hands that feed the hungry!!!

Nissan of McKinney | New Nissan dealership in McKinney, TX 75069

Nissan of McKinney | New Nissan dealership in McKinney, TX 75069

Nissan of McKinney | New Nissan dealership in McKinney, TX 75069

Nissan of McKinney | New Nissan dealership in McKinney, TX 75069

Dreams do come true.. thanks to Nissan of Mckinney

Today we served 27 families and 85 Individiuals!

I can only Imagine

I received a note this week that I had to share with you. Sometimes I have moments when I question whether I am doing the right thing with my life. That question is answered when I receive letters like this. I hope you enjoy reading this note as much as I did and please take a moment now to Join the Movement and donate something to help a family during the holidays. Let's make it happen, TOGETHER! Can you imagine a world without hunger? Guess what,I am working on the blueprint...Enjoy


Please allow me to introduce myself. My Name is Jan H. I am a regular visitor to Minnies and I would love to say just a few things about this wonderful place and the people there helping distribute, and stock. These people always always have a smile on their face and treat everyone the same way they would want to be treated if the shoe were on the other foot. Cheryl is a wonderful Christian Lady (always speaking to those she recognizes and is ready to give a hug and even take a moment out of her hectic schedule to pray with you if you need it). Cheryl is truly an "Angel" on earth and has already earned her wings.

It's a hard thing for a person to have to ask for help but at Minnie's, there are no lines drawn as to culture or creed..No person is discriminated against....Their goal is to fulfill your needs. I am very grateful for everything she has done for me. God Bless You Cheryl and God Bless all your helpers. Thank you from the bottom of my heart..... Jan H

Minnie's Food Pantry, Christmas Giveaway 2009...December 19th.....

Well the weather outside is frightful.. those are the words to one of my favorite Christmas carols, but the staff and volunteers at Minnie's Food Pantry isn't afraid because we are prepared to provide emergency food assistance to needy and deserving families in our community.. Today Minnie's Food Pantry served 34 families that included 133 people! Although it was 27 degrees today in Plano, Texas Men and women braved the cold weather to get something as simple as their next meal. Everyone that comes to the pantry is greeted with a warm smile and a kind word. ~

Minnie's food Pantry is in full preparation for our Annual Christmas generous Stranger oy Giveaway!!

On Saturday, December 19th at Minnie's Food Pantry we will be giving away toys and food to everyone that has pre-registered at our pantry. The oys will be given in conjunction with the food to children, whose parents have "pre registered." Minnie's Food Pantry is really excited that we will be able to put a smile on the faces of Children for Christmas 2009!

With less than two weeks remaining, if you would like to get involved visit us at thegivingmovement.org and donate $20.00 or more to purchase a toy for a needy child. If you are in the area, pay us a visit and drop your toy off in person! We would love to share a smile with you. Please help us to brighten the day of hundreds of children in North Texas this season! If you need additional information, call our office at 972-596-0253 or thegivingmovement.org and chat online with one of our staff members.

Minnie's Food Pantry - Once a client-now a part of our family

When I met Ray he was in line at the pantry and he kept watching in amazement and asking so many questions, now people are asking him questions. Watch his interview and hopefully you will understand how we operate through his eyes. Minnie's food pantry has seen an increase in people that need help from food to finances and we want to serve them. Join the Movement and help us.


 

MONTH TO DATE RECORD SET....

AS YOU KNOW OUR NUMBERS HAVE BEEN STEADIILY INCREASING MONTH AFTER MONTH. BUT THIS MONTH IS THE FIRST MONTH THAT WE'VE NOTICED SUCH VOLUME HALF WAY THROUGH THE MONTH.

382 FAMILIES SERVED AND ALMOST 1600 INDIVIDUALS FED! WOW!! AMAZING....

Minnie's Food Pantry talks about feeding hungry families for thanksgiving

 

Willow Bend Detal Gives Back

Make a Smilebox photobook

Who gives away over $50,000.00 in FREE dental service to over 80 people in the community? DR. RITCHIE BEOUGHER and MARY BEOUGHER of WILLOW BEND DENTAL This story is extremely personal because my cousin who was adopted when he was born has had extreme dental problems. He is only 22 years old but he has to have all of his teeth removed because his mother was on drugs when she was pregnant. Willow Bend Dental pulled 5 of his teeth which is extremey expensive and now he only has to have 12 more pulled and then he can receive dentures. It took a man like Dr. Ritchie Beougher to make a decision to give back and today I thank and salute him for helping the people I love. My auntie called me in tears because she was so grateful and that's what life is about, helping others and making a difference. Willow Bend Dental also purchased a box truck for Minnie's Food Pantry to allow us to pick up additional food from around the area. If you need dental assistance please support the people that give back to the community.
Cheryl

What leads to persistent food insecurity?

(Today at Minnie's West Plano food pantry we fed 27 families and 105 people! 6 of which were new clients.)

So far this week, we've heard countless stories of what has led so many people to our door step. Most of our clients we see every 14 days, some once a month, and a few once every two to three months. Last week we decided to ask a few of our clients what has led them to become dependent upon assistance from Minnie's Food Pantry, and we were amazed at some of their stories. Most of them have been out of work for 8 months to a year,(husbands and wives, both unemployed). Many are disabled or on small fixed incomes with huge families.

One client that particulary stood out, currently lives in what most would consider an affluent neighborhood. She began to explain that last year she found out she has breast cancer, she soon lost her job, and has been in continuous chemotherapy and radiation sessions, which prevents her from seeking employment. Often when she visits our pantry she is too week to even sign in, or shop for her groceries. Our prayer is that she will be soon releaved or healed from her disease so she can have her life back, but in the mean time Minnie's Food Pantry is blessed to be here to help with something as small as, groceries for one month.

November is off to pretty decent Start

Today Minnie's Food Pantry served 32 familes and 89 people! 4 of which were new clients.

OCTOBER, WHAT A MONTH!

Wow in the midst of everything else we had going on in the Month of October Minnie's Food Pantry still managed to serve 2,411 people, many of whom were first time clients! As we move into the holiday season, Minnie's Food Pantry is bracing our selves for the next task at hand. We have over 300 people already registered for our big Thanksgiving giveaway which will be held on Saturday November 21st, so stay tuned for more details!

The Giving Movement: Another steady day at MINNIE'S FOOD PANTRY

 Another steady day at MINNIE'S FOOD PANTRY

Our Discover the Joy of Giving Event

For The Giving Movement and Minnie's Food Pantry this was a night to remember! This was our very first Fundraiser/Recognition event for Philantropist and our volunteers. We wanted to have an event slightly different in that we would hand ou t very special Philantropy awards to those who has helped us in our mission to feed the hungry in North Dallas.



Some of the honored guests were:



MINNIE EWING, PRESENTED THE LEGACY OF PHILANTROPHY AWARD

NIKKI BAYNE of Walmart,

MARY HARVEY

CHRISTI HARRIS

DROR SWISA

DR. RITCHIE D. and Mary Beougher of Willow Bend Dental

Chris Godwin of Nissan Mckinney

Darrell and Lisa Robertson

Felisha Jackson, faithful volunteer of the Year

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Our Discovery the Joy of Giving Event

The Giving Movement and Minnie's Food Pantry's first Annual Fundraiser and Appreciation event was a success! With the creative help of Event Planner, Hamilton Sneed, and the gracious offer of Ruth's Chris Steak house management (who allowed us to hold the event at their resturaunt) our night turned out better than we could've imagine. As the guest continued to trickle in and the rooms begin to fill, our excitment was building. We didn't know what to expect with this being our first appreciation event, but the night proved to be stellar! Everyone was so beautifully dressed. The guest band and vocalist were spectacular, and the entire atmosphere was straight out of a movie! Among the crowd of celebrates were our Star Philanthropists of the year and Volunteer of the year.

MINNIE'S FOOD PANTRY DAY OUT...

October 12Th. A very important date for two reasons! 1. We were set to have our First Annual Fundraising event, Discover the Joy of Giving where we also award Philanthropist in our Community for their faithful service 2. Oprah Winfrey was in town at the Texas State Fair, hosting her show.

As you all may know, I am self-proclaimed as Oprah's #1 Fan because I've always admired her passion for giving. I've had the pleasure of interviewing Ms Winfrey in Tampa Florida during her LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE TOUR, as well as shared a stage with her at Harpo Studio's in Chicago for a little "pre recording" fun.

When I heard Oprah was coming to the State Fair of Texas, there was no doubt I'd get front row! The tickets to her show were free. First come, first serve. My crew and I arrived around 5:30 a.m. and stood in-line waiting to enter the gates at 6:00 a.m, and we stood in line again as we waited for her show to begin at 10:00 a.m.! Even though it was standing room only, our excitement kept us energized. The show producers did a great job at show casing Texas' Pride, and the crowd was amazing! The show should be airing in the next week or so, so keep your eyes open! I'll be the one on the front row, waving my Blue Cowboy hat!

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL DAY IN HUNGER BUSTING...

The Giving Movement & Minnie's West Plano Food Pantry is less than 5 days away from our Inaugural Discover the Joy of Giving "Fun"draiser where we will be celebrating star philanthropist in our community and their efforts to help feed the hungry through our organization. And as we prepare for this event it is business as usual at Minnie's Food Pantry, the new clients applications are increasing and we are right here to meet those demands. Today we served 34 families and 121 people!!! We are so excited that we are able to continue this service through the gracious hearts of our community support teams. If you would like to get involved come out on October 12th to help us celebrate, and join us at: Discover the Joy of Giving This event will be held at Ruth's Chris Steak House in Dallas, Texas begining at 6:00 P.M. Please contact us at thegivingmovement.org for tickets, or send us an email at esimon@thegivingmovement.org and we'll be happy to reserve your seats!

Plano wealthiest city in America -with hungry people

I read that Plano was the weathiest city in America and as I open Minnie's Food Pantry every day and look into thye eyes of hungry people it reminds me of scripture in the bible:
Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

If you want true wealth, serve others and watch the rewards.

WOW what a day!

We served 27 people and 98 families today! This was also a great day for deliveries. Market Street out did themselves with all the fresh deli sandwhiches, cheese, and meats they donated today. It was unbelieveable.. That combined with our special North Texas Food Bank delivery we are getting off to a pretty awesome start this week! We love our community partners!

Make someone smile today! We did. Minnie's Food Pantry.

Finally one day off and we spent it at the New Cowboy Stadium and it was fun!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Minnie's Food Pantry served 90 people and 23 families today!!

Another steady day at MINNIE'S FOOD PANTRY

The continuous rain throughout North Dallas, has caused some not to risk a trip out this week. Though many decided to stay in today, all were not discouraged.

Minnie's Food Pantry still served, 13 FAMILIES AND 61 INDIVIDUALS! Every day is a good day, when your helping end hunger in North Texas.

THE GIVIING MOVEMENT'S BACK TO SCHOOL GIVE-AWAY..

HERE'S FOOTAGE FROM OUR BACK TO SCHOOL GIVAWAY LAST MONTH ENJOY!





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MINNIE'S FOOD PANTRY REPORTING!

It's been a while since I've documented, but we are as busy as ever. Today is Tuesday, one of our busier days here at Minnie's West Plano Food Pantry, but due to the rain, our clients have trickled in. (There's usually a line forming before we can open our doors!) However, we still managed to serve 19 families/and 68 individuals. That's not our typical staggering number for a Tuesday morning, but enough to be noticed on a rainy day.


Since Minnie's Food pantry's upgrade to Client's Choice,(a pantry that allow its clients to choose only the foods they eat) we have received so many new applicants!We are also happy to report that our volunteer base & random food drive assistance has grown as well!

Our clients have revealed that they feel independent, and more loved when they walk through the doors at Minnie's Food Pantry. It's hard to deny, we are greeted with more smiles now, than the embarrassed faces we had grown accustomed to seeing. Knowing that we are helping people feel better, while in their difficult situation, put smiles on our faces too!!

Our First Day as a Client Choice Pantry

WOW!! Are the only words that came to mind as I pulled into Minnie's West Plano Food Pantry on Saturday morning, August 8, 2009. We weren't opened yet but the line was already to the end of our building,and the parking lot was almost filled. We were excited and nervous, not sure what we'd experience by giving clients the choice of what they wanted.

The Giving Movement Prepares for Back To School

Well It's about that time again! As needy parents all over the metroplex prepare to send their children back school, we are preparing too! The Giving Movement has teamed up with Van Cheverolet of Carrollton, TX and plan to serve over 500 Children throughout North Texas! Please see press release below for more details. And Remember to tell everyone that Yes! Vancares4kids!

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Press Release
FREE BACK TO SCHOOL GIVEAWAY IN CARROLLTON, TX!

Van Chevrolet & The Giving Movement Organization teams up to serve an estimated 500 needy children in North Texas with Free School Supplies. This event will take place August 15, 2009, from 11am to 1:00 p.m. at Van Chevrolet North of LBJ Freeway, that’s 1700 I-35 Carrollton, Texas 75006

Pre-registration is “not” required, parents must show up to sign in with their children and they will receive their free school supplies. There will also be Free Hotdogs, Popcorn, Beverages, and More!

Huge Day, Despite Changes!

Today we serviced 140 people, (36) families. Due to lack of donations and increase in clientele, Minnie’s West Plano Food Pantry decided to temporarily alter the days that recipients could receive food. Since the day we've opened our doors we've allowed our clients to come once every 14 days, and we're open 5 days a week. That was a year and a half ago. As the word got out about the new food pantry in West Plano our numbers began to increase, and our funding, not so much. As we struggled to keep up with the demands of our community we decided to ask everyone if they would come once every 30 days instead of 14, until our finances would allow us to do otherwise.
In the last two days we noticed a difference, but it wasn't less people to serve. It was 29 more new faces! We thought by minimizing the amount of days our regulars could come it would give us a chance to serve the new people we had attracted so far this month, but that number increased by half in just two days? So much for that plan, but God always comes through!

This week we are receiving two extra food deliveries than what was originally anticipated. And most of the recipients gave a little something back to help out, it wasn't much, but it was enough to encourage our staff. We feel good about what we’re doing here at Minnie’s West Plano Food Pantry, and look forward to creating partnerships that will support us in this cause.


(We are located at 3100 Independence Parkway Ste# 217 Plano, Texas 75075. We are open Tues-Friday 9am-11am, and Saturdays 11am-1Pm. Administrative hours are M-F 8am-4:00pm in Ste 219 972-596-0253.)

Meet Sandra Dunnigan

For the last 6 months our staff could not help but notice the friendship between Sandra Dunnigan(in black), and Jeanette Jenkins,(seated in the white T-shirt.) For months they would ride the bus together from Garland to Plano to receive groceries from our Pantry. Torrential rains, thunder, and even lighting would not stop these women from showing up! Jeantte with her walker & basket, and Sandra with her back pack. They always came as a pair, until one day we noticed that Sandra started to come alone. She began to tell us that Jeanette was very sick, and had been admitted into the hospital for a while.(She was very sadden by her friends sickness and absence.)

Sandra continued to come, and soon, when her friend was released from the hospital asked us if she could start picking up food for her sick friend. She was very emotional on one particular visit because all she wanted to do was help. Sandra continued to give us updates on Jeanette, and one day we looked up and her and Jeanette were together again! But this time Jeanette was in a wheel chair. Sandra was with her, not because she was here to receive, but because she wanted to help her friend. (Due to Jeannette's absences they were now on opposite weeks to receive food) But instead of staying home, like today, Sandra made the sacrifice again to catch a bus, with her disabled friend from Garland to Plano to help her pick up her groceries, and get them home. Now that's a true friend, and the power of giving back.

We love our Job, Thanks to all of you who make this possible!

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The Hunger Business is Booming!

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With 40 families, and 133 people being served today, there was no shortage of work at Minnie's West Plano Food Pantry. At 8:42 a.m the lines were already filling up! All hands were on deck with 4 staff members and 8 volunteers, we all worked together, and served our North Texas Community with a smile! Thanks to Market Street(our faithful local supporter)and The North Texas Food bank our recipients left happy and hopeful! (If you would like to join this movement, please log on to thegivingmovement.org!)