CoServ Members Power Support at Christian Community Action
DEMAND FOR FOOD at Christian Community Action’s (CCA) Food Pantry is at an all-time high in the Lewisville nonprofit’s 53-year history, even surpassing the records set during the pandemic.
CCA is averaging 850 families a week at its pantry, which is set up more like a traditional grocery store than a food bank.
“Nobody really wants to be in a situation where they need help,” said Gilbert Montez, President and CEO of CCA. “We want to restore their dignity by creating a store where they can shop for what they want.”
At the same time, the need for utility assistance is also increasing as the summer heat stuck around well into October this year, he said.
The need is growing so fast it seems insurmountable. You may be called to help but your own
wallet is stretched thin by the same inflationary pressures.
But with the CoServ Advantage, our Members are part of something bigger and the CoServ Charitable Foundation (CCF) is one of the best examples of that. By participating in Operation Roundup – where you round up your bill to the nearest dollar each month – you are making a difference.
It’s just pennies per month, averaging $6 a year per Member, but since 2004, Operation Roundup has distributed grants totaling more than $19 million within CoServ’s service area.
This year, CCF awarded two grants totaling $70,000 to CCA. One was to purchase food and hygiene items for the Food Pantry, and the other was for utility assistance, keeping the lights on for CoServ Members.
As a Member himself, Gilbert said it’s rewarding to see that money put into action.
“It’s a simple and easy way to benefit our neighbors,” Gilbert said. “We can relieve the burden for these families as they try to make their budgets stretch from month-to-month.”
CoServ also donates heaters and blankets each winter and fans and air conditioners each summer that CCA distributes to clients in need within CoServ’s service area.
With Christmas approaching, CCA’s elves are busy collecting gifts based on the wish lists provided by the parents. CCA plans to provide gifts for 1,500 children this year, 500 more than in years past.
CCA provides the gifts, the wrapping supplies and a special Christmas devotional – all in a giant Santa sack.
CoServ Employees are also driven to give back to the communities we serve through volunteering. Whether it’s stocking the food pantry, sorting gifts or being a personal shopper for their clients, CoServ Employees enjoy volunteering with Christian Community Action.
“Organizations like Christian Community Action are making a real difference in the communities we serve, helping our neighbors in so many ways,” said Jennifer Ebert, CCF and Outreach Coordinator. “Thanks to the generosity of our Members and Customers who participate in Operation Roundup, which allows CCF to continue supporting the great work that CCA does.”