ROCKWALL, TX – Jan. 14, 2021 — Rockwall County Helping Hands has rolled out a new program that’s stocking the pantries of local homebound elderly residents during the pandemic.
The Pantry 2 Pantry program – a special initiative of Helping Hands’s Assistance & Referral and Food Pantry programs – provides grocery items and toiletries to homebound residents, on a long term or temporary basis. Primary candidates for the program are senior adult residents with disabilities related to mobility, those recovering at home from an illness or medical operation, and families without transportation. Each situation is evaluated on an individual basis, and all participants must live in Rockwall County or the 75189 (Royse City) ZIP code area.
Once a resident is enrolled in the program, Helping Hands gives them a call once a month to go over their pantry needs. The items are then packed and delivered by a Helping Hands volunteer on Wednesdays between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 3-5 p.m.
Local resident and participant in the Pantry 2 Pantry program Charlene said the program has been a blessing, as she finds herself without any means of transportation and with the closest relatives out in Dallas.
“The Pantry 2 Pantry program has been a lifesaver,” Charlene said. “It has meant everything to me! I have no personal transportation and my closest family members live in Dallas. They are not able to come help me very often. This program gives me hope. I always look forward to seeing the delivery volunteer because I don’t have many visitors.”
Charlene is one of many residents who have found hope and comfort in the program, and in the friendly volunteers who drop off their items. The program is completely dependent on the strong team of volunteers, who do everything possible to ensure all participants receive their deliveries in a courteous and timely manner.
“We are called to serve others – that’s why I volunteer,” said Breann Fierro. “People are in need right here in our own backyard. Through Helping Hands we can meet those needs and love on the people in our community.
“Charlene said the work of Helping Hands makes her feel safe. It comforts her to know we are there for her and that we care. And most of all, she said she loves the visit from the volunteers because she doesn’t get out much. I can take time from my ‘busy life’ to not only help Charlene but to be her friend. That’s why we’re here… to be the hands and feet of Jesus.”
You may qualify if:
- There is no one in the home licensed or physically able to drive.
- You have a health issue or disability that makes leaving the home difficult.
- No one living in the household has personal transportation.
- You are recovering from surgery or a hospital stay with a driving restriction in place.
Call or email the Assistance & Referral office for an appointment with a staff member: (972) 771-4357 or assistance@rockwallhelpinghands.com. A phone interview and/or home visit will be scheduled to determine eligibility for the program. Agencies and organizations wishing to refer local residents for the Pantry 2 Pantry program may call or email the Assistance & Referral office to speak with a staff member.
By Austin Wells, Blue Ribbon News. Courtesy photo.
Our print edition is delivered free to ~15,500 homes in Rockwall and Heath, TX.
To share your good news and events, email editor@BlueRibbonNews.com.
Subscribe to our email newsletter here.
Advertising: 214-342-8000 or advertising@BlueRibbonNews.com.
Rockwall County Helping Hands packs pantries of homebound residents with new program added by Austin on
View all posts by Austin →