Good Samaritans of Garland, Inc., located at 214 North Twelfth Street in Garland, recently announced the number of clients helped in 2021. Pam Swendig, the organization’s executive director, expressed gratitude to all who assisted them. Individuals, foundations, corporations and churches supported Good Sam with donations as well as volunteer hours. They helped make it possible to provide assistance to food-insecure neighbors in Garland, Rowlett and Sachse. In addition, Swendig thanked the staff and volunteers for their tireless efforts to serve and offer hope.
The number of client visits increased by more than 30,000 between 2019 and 2021.
- 2019 – 18,929
- 2020 – 37,950
- 2021 – 49,235
The number of meals provided during the same period increased by more than 306,000.
- 2019 – 501,255
- 2020 – 780,120
- 2021 – 807,377
22% of the 2021 clients were unhoused.
Some of the ways you can help:
- Donate money.
- Honor a loved one with a donation of money or food.
- Buy extra items at the grocery store and drop them off at Good Sam.
- Ask your employer about having a volunteer project or food drive.
- Check with your employer if they have a donation match program.
- Suggest a food drive or some Good Sam volunteer hours to your fellow church members.
- Propose a contest between your church life groups, departments at your workplace, group of friends, etc. to see who can collect the most food or money.
- Help sort and shelve food.
- Spread the word about the need for donations.
- Teach your children about the importance of helping others by taking them to donate or volunteer.
A quick look at the Good Sam website revealed that the items most needed at this time are:
- Peanut butter
- Canned meat
- Canned green beans
- Canned corn
- Dry pasta
- Canned pasta sauce
Good Sam is open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Closed noon to 1 p.m. for restocking.