Society of Samaritans serves 3,000 families; drive-thru food donation, sidewalk sale scheduled

Magnolia-based nonprofit organization Society of Samaritans has served 3,000 families—totaling 12,000 individuals at its drive-thru food pantry in the seven weeks since March 16, Executive Director Shirley Jensen announced May 4.

As the state begins to reopen, per Gov. Greg Abbott's plan, SOS will slowly resume its resale shop, giving center and donation collection operations throughout May and June, according to a May 4 statement from SOS.

The SOS Resale Shop hosts a parking lot sale May 9 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 17665 FM 1488, Magnolia, with all items marked $1. Social distancing and safe hygiene practices will be used. The resale shop will reopen officially 10 a.m. May 10, reserving the first hour on Wednesday and Friday for the vulnerable population, including customers who have health risks and senior citizens, according to the statement. Funds from the resale shop are used to purchase food for SOS' food pantry, serving the Greater Magnolia area community.

Donation collection for the resale shop will resume May 19 Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

SOS will also hold a drive-thru food donation May 14 from 1-3 p.m. at 31355 Friendship Drive, Magnolia, to help collect items for its summer meal program while students are out of school. Items specifically requested include: peanut butter, jelly, canned pasta, cereal, breakfast or protein bars, macaroni and cheese, and ramen noodles, according to SOS information.

Additionally, SOS' Giving Center, a shop for its clients where items are given at no cost or sold for a small donation, will reopen June 6 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Donations can be dropped off for the Giving Center beginning June 6.

Volunteers are also needed to continue helping with the drive-thru SOS food pantry. More than 600 volunteers have already helped out, according to SOS information. Food pantry volunteers can sign up here.

Donate

• Food pantry donations can be dropped off from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Friday at 31355 Friendship Drive, Magnolia.
• Text "partner2020" to 44321 to donate financially.