“[It] was an awesome day,” Winslow said. “We had right under 100 neighbors, which was our sweet spot of serving.”
Fast forward one month, and due to the pandemic, the company’s staff had to completely revamp procedures. Volunteers could not serve, and those vacancies were filled by staff members. They served approximately 120 neighbors, as they call their patrons, in March. By the first week of April, without any warning, Winslow said they had 313 families roll through.
“We were building the plane and flying at the same time,” Winslow said. “I feel so blessed that I worked with team members who were willing to do whatever it took to get it done.”
Today, 425 families are served on average each day, she said.
The Storehouse was founded by St. Andrew United Methodist Church in 2009. Winslow explained that the nonprofit is separate from the church, but it operates there for free.
The mission statement of The Storehouse is to feed, clothe and care as neighbors in one community. In addition to the food pantry, programs include the clothing closet Joseph’s Coat and Project Hope.
Winslow said Project Hope is a transformational program that helps patrons with anything that is not food or clothing.
“We look at the neighbor holistically,” Winslow said. “‘Here’s food, here’s clothing. Where are you in your journey, and can we come alongside you and help you find those resources?’”
In addition to these services, The Storehouse Academy will be launched this summer. This program will begin as a 10-week English as a Second Language class for up to 60 patrons.
Winslow said her work at The Storehouse answers her prayer.
“The Storehouse has given me a place not only to be [God’s] hands and feet but also to encourage and inspire others to do the same.”
The Storehouse of Collin County
1401 Mira Vista Blvd., Plano
469-385-1813
www.thestorehousecc.org
Seven Loaves hours: Thu. 3:30-6 p.m., Sat. 8:30-11 a.m.
Joseph’s Coat hours: Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (By appointment only)
