Donations are no longer accepted at Network’s facility on Sherman Street, according to a Network representative. Beginning Aug. 9, food can be dropped off at the mobile food pantry outside of the new facility at 1500 International Parkway, Richardson. For a list of needed items, visit Network’s website.
Food boxes will be administered via the organization’s mobile food pantry beginning that same day. Distribution hours run from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays.
In-person food shopping is expected to resume Aug. 16 at the new location. Appointments will be needed, so clients should call 972-234-8880, ext. 104, before visiting.
Clothing donations will be accepted at the new facility beginning Aug. 11. Donors can drop items off every Wednesday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the mobile food pantry. The new Clothing Closet is expected to open at the International Parkway facility beginning Sept. 7.
Network officials ask that food and clothing donations not be left outside if the truck is unattended.
Construction of Network’s new facility, which is set to open Sept. 7, is in response to a surge in demand the organization has experienced in recent years, according to Network President and CEO Cindy Shafer. Since March 2020, Network has increased food distribution by 600%, and rental and housing utility assistance has increased by 400%, according to the organization.
The $5.5 million facility is four times the size of Network’s building on Sherman Street, Shafer said.
“We are so thankful for all the community support we have received through our Building for Our Neighbors Campaign to help us realize our dream of a new building,” Shafer said in an email. “This new space will transform our ability to effectively support area families and engage with the broader community. We can’t wait to welcome everyone into our new home after Labor Day.”
Network is continuing its fundraising campaign through September. For more information on how to help, visit this link.
