Network has seen an influx of clients since the coronavirus pandemic began, according to CEO Cindy Shafer. Canyon Creek Homeowners Association felt compelled to help the organization, HOA president Warren Caldwell said.
“We are our brother's keeper, and those of us in position to help, should help,” he said.
Canyon Creek is the largest HOA in Richardson with 2,850 homes. Of the homes in the neighborhood, 67% are members of the HOA, Caldwell said.
The HOA recently wrote a check to Network for $7,500. The money was raised through the association’s flag program, an optional service in which Boy Scouts place flags in yards on five major holidays. Caldwell said 87% of homes in the association subscribe to the service. In the past, money from the program has been donated to local elementary schools.
The association held a food drive April 18 to benefit Network. Caldwell said he was shocked by the number of residents who donated. All in all, the HOA collected over 14,000 pounds of food.
“It was constant traffic,” he said. “We were amazed.”
The HOA is also donating $5,000 collected through the sale of Richardson Strong signs, which are part of an initiative that aims to inspire community solidarity. The signs cost $10, but members of the HOA have given more than the designated amount, Caldwell said. All 500 signs sold, and the association has ordered more, he added. Proceeds from the signs benefit Network.
“People are reaching out and helping, and it’s a beautiful thing,” Caldwell said.
The HOA will continue to support Network through donations as well as by getting the word out about what organizational needs. It plans to hold another food drive Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to noon in the parking lot of the United Disciples Christian Church at 601 E. Main St., Richardson.
“We're just going to do our very level best to build awareness of the need,” Caldwell said. “We are going to use our communication tools as a force multiplier.”
