On May 16th, HEB ISD Superintendent Steve Chapman issued a challenge to the mayors of Hurst, Euless and Bedford to see which city could bring in the most food donations by July 4th.

Chapman issued this challenge because he knows that almost 13,000 students in the HEB ISD are food insecure. During the summer months, these children do not have access to the same free and reduced lunch options that are available during the school year. This causes an increase in demand for food pantries like Mission Central's Village Pantry. By challenging the mayors, Chapman hoped to help stock pantry shelves so that students can continue to have access to healthy food during the summer months.

Mayors, businesses, and citizens responded to the challenge by donating 11,721 pounds of food during the 7-week challenge. The donations were split between Mission Central's Village Pantry and the New Hope Center at 6 Stones, with each pantry receiving more than 5,000 pounds of food. At the end of the challenge, the city of Bedford was the winner and Mayor Jim Griffin received the "Golden Can" award.

Thanks to everyone who donated food to this wonderful challenge. Special thanks also go to the volunteers who helped pick up donations at various locations and sort the donated food. With your help, we will help keep the children of Hurst, Euless, and Bedford healthy and fed this summer.

When a family enters the Family Opportunities Program, one of their top priorities is always to find employment. This is key to helping the family find housing and financial stability.

In fact, finding employment, or better employment, is a top goal of many of the families who visit Mission Central. To help empower these families to improve their own quality of life, Mission Central will be hosting a Job and Resource Fair on August 31st. The event will take place from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church of Hurst. 

Job-seekers should come prepared to share their resumes with local employers who are currently hiring. They will also have the opportunity to visit with community resource providers who can help with needs such as applying for WIC or getting health insurance for children. We'll also have a "Dress for Success" show featuring affordable, professional attire from the Coat of Many Colors Resale Shop.

There are a few spots left for employers who wish to participate in the Job and Resource Fair. Participation is free, but you must return the form found on our website by August 10.

North Texas Giving Day is scheduled for September 17th. Be sure to mark your calendar and prepare to help us reach our goal of raising $45,000 on this fun day of giving throughout the Metroplex.

On North Texas Giving Day, every gift of at least $25 made through  www.northtexasgivingday.org will be eligible for bonus and prize funds awarded through the Communities Foundation of Texas. Additionally, there will be matching funds available to just Mission Central due to the generosity of a group of local donors. Be on the lookout in August for more information about this additional matching opportunity, and how your dollars will have more impact on North Texas Giving Day this year.