Rockwall County Helping Hands: Nearly 50 Years of Service

Rockwall, TX (October 21, 2025) – Rockwall County Helping Hands is preparing to celebrate 50 years of serving neighbors in need in 2026.

The agency was founded in the mid-1970s by local churches and businesses that recognized a growing need for food and clothing among Rockwall County families. As the work expanded, it became clear that many families also faced financial struggles. To help, volunteers began selling donated clothing and household goods – laying the foundation for what would become the Helping Hands Thrift Store.

Nearly five decades later, Helping Hands now serves more than 40,000 people each year. Today, its critical programs include financial assistance for qualifying individuals, a robust food pantry to fight hunger, and a low-cost Health Center offering primary care to anyone who needs it. For those who qualify, the Health Center provides low-cost or no-cost medical services, including chronic care management, wellness checkups, and sick visits.

The Thrift Store – born out of the trunks of caring neighbors’ cars – remains a cornerstone of the mission. More than just a retail shop, it generates vital funding for Helping Hands while also ensuring that items can be provided free of charge to families in crisis. In fact, 84 cents of every dollar donated to Helping Hands goes directly to programs that help those in need.

In March 2025, the agency completed construction of an expanded main campus, bringing all programs under one roof. The larger facility features an upgraded food pantry and Health Center, making services more convenient and accessible for local families.

This growth and impact would not be possible without the generosity of the Rockwall County community. Every financial gift, every bag of donated clothing, and every thrift store purchase plays a direct role in helping a family through hardship or providing medical care to a neighbor in need.

As Helping Hands approaches its 50th anniversary, the organization extends gratitude to all who have supported its mission over the years – and looks forward to continuing to serve the community for the next fifty.

Sponsored content, Rockwall County Helping Hands.

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