CARE CORPS
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,
I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me,
I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."
Matthew 25:35-36
ZIP CODES SERVED:
75231, 75238, 75240, 75243,
75248, 75254, 75042, 75044,
75080, 75081, 75082
972.234.2273
CARE Corps is a volunteer benevolence ministry of Care Church
and a 211 Texas helping agency in Richardson.
Our attempt to glorify God by loving our neighbors-in-need gives us the opportunity to share hope and faith and change lives. Through an affiliation with the North Texas Food Bank, as well as donations from compassionate community members and area grocers, the CARE Corps pantry offers fresh produce, meat, dairy and food pantry items.
CARE Corps has been assisting low-income residents in the Richardson Independent School District area since 1986.In an average month, CARE Corps distributes 20,000 pounds of food to more than 230 people, equivalent to nearly 11,000 individuals and 1 million pounds of food each year, 50% more during the pandemic.
FOOD PANTRY
During the pandemic, we were able to serve all who were in need of food,
regardless of zip code. With current economic changes, the number of
clients has increased beyond our capacity to serve extended areas.
For this reason, CARE Corps will be available only to those living
in the city of Richardson and the Richardson Independent School District
beginning January 1, 2024. To search for pantries outside of these zip codes,
you can refer to www.helpfinder.org, http://www.211texas.org, or call 211.
(Zip codes we will be serving include: 75041, 75042, 75044, 75080, 75081,
75082, 75230, 75231, 75238, 75240, 75243, 75248, 75251, 75252, and 75254).
You may come for food once every 28 days on one of these days:
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Tuesdays: from noon (12 PM) to 2:30 PM
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Thursdays: from noon (12 PM) to 2:30 PM
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1st Monday of each month: from 6 to 7 PM
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Closed on RISD bad weather days, Thanksgiving, Federal Election Day, approximately the last two weeks of December, and the first few days of January.
When you arrive, please:
1. Park in front of the church, and come inside the building.
2. Bring a photo ID and a piece of mail or lease showing your current address.
3. Sign in at the Care Corps Table and receive a number.
4. Have a seat in the area indicated for Care Corps.
5. Keep your children with you at all times.
6. NO FOOD OR DRINKS. Only water is allowed inside the building.
7. Our volunteers will assist you in numerical order.
8. When you finish loading your groceries in your car, please return the shopping basket to a volunteer. Thank you.
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FINANCIAL AID
The Care Corps ministry does not offer rental assistance, but we can consider a very limited number of requests for assistance with utility bills (excluding Green Mountain). Consideration for funds is available only to those whose rent is current and who live in the city of Richardson and in Richardson ISD zip codes (75041, 75042, 75044, 75080, 75081, 75082, 75230, 75231, 75238, 75240, 75243, 75248, 75251, 75252, and 75254). Helpful (though not perfect) tools for searching a variety of assistance in your zip code are www.helpfinder.org, http://www.211texas.org, or call 211.
To leave a detailed message for CARE Corps, please follow the instructions at (972) 234-2273. Volunteers are not immediately available, but someone will return your call when possible. Because of the high number of calls, appointments to be considered for utility aid may not be available for 6 weeks or more.
How can you help your neighbors?
Do you want to get involved? Please leave a message on the CARE Corps pantry line at (972) 234--2273 with your name, phone number, and area of interest for volunteering.
Give an hour of time or add a few items to your shopping list. Little things can be the most important thing you do all week. You show your kids the importance of taking care of people who are struggling; plus, the people you work beside are caring people who become heart friends.
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Drop off a few grocery items:
The office is open Monday-Thursday, 10 am- noon. Unopened packages, cans and frozen goods are always needed, as well as toiletries and diapers.
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Help at the pantry:
With an experienced partner, pick up donations at a local grocery store. Cull through produce and stack groceries on shelves in preparation for distribution. Fill grocery bags for clients.
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Greet Clients:
Meet with clients on Tuesdays/Thursdays from 12-2:30 and/or the first Wed. night of the month from 6-7 PM to take note of their needs and share the information with those filling baskets. As orders become ready, deliver the groceries to the clients. The smiles of both adults and children make all the difference!
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Make monetary donations:
This is used as pressing needs arise such as pantry items, diapers, utility assistance, etc. Please mark donations for CARE Corps.
Neighbors and Testimonials:
Brittany lives in a neighborhood by the CARE Corp food pantry. This single mom works a 40-hour workweek, paying for daycare. Once a month, she drives to CARE Corp to pick up a bag of groceries to help for a few days.
Gus and Mary are living on Medicare. They take care of their grandchildren when they can. Gus has received treatment for cancer for the last 6 months. But you will always see a smile on Gus’ face, with overwhelming thanks for the groceries they receive.
"We have never needed food assistance before I lost my job. Thank you for the food, and the flowers were a great touch. I haven't had flowers in years, and they made me smile." CS
"Thank you for being there when I and my family needed a helping hand. The assistance was appreciated. May God bless your volunteers and your programs" DRC
"Thanks to all of you for assisting us during this time of illness. You are in our prayers too!" WK