GRACE Chief Program Officer Stacy Pacholick reported Thanksgiving Meal baskets were furnished to 390 families over the three-day distribution earlier this week. Stacy anticipates an even larger number of families will be coming in for Christmas Meal baskets in just a few weeks.

An indication of the need within the community, this year will top all previous Holiday Food Distributions, the most recent mark set in 2018 with 739 families.

For new Pantry Manager Marcus Miranda, the Thanksgiving Food Distribution was a brand new experience.

“I was honored to be a part of this,” said Marcus. “The families were so thankful. And the volunteers were amazing.” Marcus continued with his praise for the volunteers. Over the course of the three-day distribution, 114 volunteers served nearly 250 hours.

He also heaped thanks and praise on the donors. Either directly through food drives, or indirectly, through cash contributions, “donors provide nearly all of the basket contents,” said Marcus. Providing holiday food baskets to GRACE clients is a “perfect match of donors and volunteers.”

Looking to the future, Marcus reiterated the need for food donations for the Christmas Food Distribution and beyond.

Food donations are gratefully accepted at the GRACE Food Pantry, 837 East Walnut Street in Grapevine. Hours are 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

To learn more, visit: GRACE