It’s Better Every Time

YMCA, Food Bank, Clothing Distribution, At-Risk Families, Furniture Distribution, Outreach, Volunteers, Partners, Tarrant Area Food Bank, Healthy Spirit Mind and Body, Community Service, School Supplies

Saturday morning, May 27, my husband Gordon and I got up just after the neighborhood birds started singing, to prepare for a big day ahead. It would be the third time this year we drove the Furnishing Families of Texas rental truck down to the community outreach at the McDonald YMCA in Fort Worth.We were all set for whatever this community event would bring.

YMCA, Food Bank, Clothing Distribution, At-Risk Families, Furniture Distribution, Outreach, Volunteers, Partners, Tarrant Area Food Bank, Healthy Spirit Mind and Body, Community Service, School Supplies

Since the first Furnishing Families of Texas outreach in January, we have steadily become more efficient, including the use of a 19-foot banner that announces our presence and displays a QR code to help count our visitors. The FFOT team started arriving just after 8am. The Uhaul was packed full of donations we received the night before from YouTubers Brianna and Preston. There were costumes, set props, and six boxes of brand-new swag sweatshirts. When our second 26-foot truck arrived, people had already started forming a line and the anticipation ramped up to a new level.

YMCA, Food Bank, Clothing Distribution, At-Risk Families, Furniture Distribution, Outreach, Volunteers, Partners, Tarrant Area Food Bank, Healthy Spirit Mind and Body, Community Service, School Supplies

We set up rolling hanger racks that were shrink-wrapped with clothing organized by gender and size. Bins of clothes and shoes were set up on tables along with toys, pillows, artwork, and much more. We had never been more grateful for the 11 volunteers that day! The crowd was growing, and the children were wide-eyed at the toys they saw before them. Our Spanish-speaking volunteers kept joyful communication flowing with our clients as the morning progressed.

YMCA, Food Bank, Clothing Distribution, At-Risk Families, Furniture Distribution, Outreach, Volunteers, Partners, Tarrant Area Food Bank, Healthy Spirit Mind and Body, Community Service, School Supplies

Annabelle was there filming and interviewing our participants. Drew’s camera drone circled the area from above, and the cars waiting for the food bank wrapped all the way around the block. The teamwork from our amazing volunteers and the joy of serving together grew with the crowd. Every outreach we have grown in our ability as a team to problem solve, minister to families and improve the experience. Since our last outreach, new connections have emerged who want to partner with us in serving this community. God is growing something extraordinary. 

Our next outreach is scheduled for August 26. Visit our website to donate or to register as a volunteer. You are always welcome.

Come join us,

Karen Kelly, Director of Development and Business Administration
Furnishing Families of Texas

YMCA, Food Bank, Clothing Distribution, At-Risk Families, Furniture Distribution, Outreach, Volunteers, Partners, Tarrant Area Food Bank, Healthy Spirit Mind and Body, Community Service, School Supplies

Results of Outreaches involving FFOT to date: 

Tarrant Area Food Bank has served 512 households, affecting 1,404 people with 23,637 lbs of food.

Furnishing Families of Texas has served over 750 individuals with clothing, household goods and more.

Annabelle Wallnau