Last year, Good Samaritans of Garland “adopted” the Alternative Education Center (AEC) when they discovered the school didn’t have a PTA or similar support. Throughout the year, the organization prepared goody bags for the staff and donated school supplies when available. Good Sam did something extra special for the AEC families and staff this year. Before Thanksgiving, the nonprofit’s team distributed turkeys and Blessing Bags to 50-60 families, teachers and staff.
A few days later, Garland ISD Student Services picked up 200 Blessing Bags. The bags were distributed to families identified by school counselors/teachers/etc. as needing extra help during the holiday season. In addition to the Blessing Bags (flour, sugar, oil, dried milk), families received $25 grocery gift cards donated by generous, caring people.
“This was a win/win for everyone,” said Good Sam’s Executive Director, Pam Swendig. “We are so thankful to partner with Garland ISD in helping families receive an adequate amount of nourishing food.”
Swendig added that the percentage of children being assisted is now 30%. This is the highest it has reached in her 9 1/2 years with the organization.
“There is so much need but there is also so much good,” she said. “We are grateful for our partnerships in serving our community.”
About the organization – (from Good Sam website)
Good Samaritans of Garland, known locally as “Good Sam,” was formed in 1983 from an alliance of several Garland faith communities. The intent was to provide a broad range of services, centrally located for neighbors in need of assistance. In 2016, the board of directors elected to narrow Good Sam’s focus to providing supplemental food assistance. The area would include our hungry and food-insecure neighbors in Garland, Rowlett and Sachse. Today, we provide nutritious food to anyone needing food with no residency or income eligibility requirements.
Through our partnership with North Texas Food Bank, local retail partners and donations from the community, we are able to provide supplemental food assistance to families and individuals.
Our guests receiving food may be a one-time emergency situation, temporary need. Or, it could be an on-going need as result of disability, injury/illness, job loss or simply not enough money to cover bills. Providing supplemental food assistance is extremely valuable. It helps families and individuals move forward through a difficult time, short or long term.
How we provide food is of highest priority:
Good Sam’s staff and volunteers welcome all guests with kindness and respect and without judgement. They assure our guests that we’re available to help them navigate through a difficult time with food and/or other resource referral assistance. People are our #1 priority!
Please check the website for information on volunteering and Good Sam’s current needs.