HOOPS FOR THE HUNGRY- A SUCCESS!

'Hoops for the Hungry' was a success again this year! The Harlem Ambassadors put on another great show with the cooperation and good sportsmanship of the Hungry Dunkers, 'Our Daily Bread's' spirited team. Families and people of all ages enjoyed the fun and entertainment as high flying slam dunks and antics on the court were the order of the day. There were lots of happy people, laughing and enjoying the show. 
 

A hearty 'thanks' to the players, sponsors and volunteers. A special thank you to the volunteers from the Wal-Mart Distribution Center and everyone who helped make this event possible and such a tremendous success!

FEEDING AMERICA PROGRAM   

Our Daily Bread, as a "partner agency" of Tarrant Area Food Bank, receives food and non-food items that cannot be sold from designated participating National Retail Companies as part of a National Feeding America Program. The mission of Feeding America is to feed hungry people by soliciting and distributing food and grocery products through a nationwide network of certified affiliated food banks and food-rescue organizations, and to educate the public about the nature of and solutions to the problem of hunger in America.

ODB has been receiving food and other products under this program three days a week from Wal-Mart in Hickory Creek since early 2010. The hundreds of pounds of fresh and frozen foods, meats and produce, and canned goods received weekly have been instrumental in ODB's overall operation. Through these efforts, ODB has been able to reduce its food budget while raising the bar regarding both quality and nutrition of the meals prepared and distributed to clients. Target Supercenter in Flower Mound signed on in November 2012 to participate, and ODB has enjoyed working with them and their team as well to sustain and grow the program.

Logistics plays a major role in the success of the program.  ODB must dispatch teams of two volunteers with two trucks to two locations three times a week for donations. Donations must be sorted, weighed, dated and stored. An additional 8 -10 volunteers are needed to complete the project. Products that cannot be utilized for meal preparation are distributed to our clients through the ODB "Free Farmers Market" program first, then to the Denton Community Food Center, or other local food distribution centers in the area that feed the hungry.

Current food pick-up driver teams who donate their time, trucks and gas include: Jeff Barnard, Dave Bryan, Mike Conley, Richard Corely, Mike Dash, John Fred Duncan, Matt Gohlke, Emilio Gonzales, Paul Herring, Rick Holliman, John House, Lynn Johnson, Lee Kremmers, Harvey Layman, John Mikow, Eric Morse, Tom Newell, Matt Patterson, Rick Rahn, Bob Stewart, Johnny Welborn, and Jim White. We thank you for your time and efforts.

Additional thanks to Jo Leenhouts, Jim Warsop, Harold Anderson, Russell Clark, Larry Wolf, Eric Sutphin, Sarah Beavers,  and Joyce Turner, and all the many other volunteers that help receiving, toting, weighing, sorting and storing items that are received.

Our thanks to all the volunteers who graciously help make this ODB/Feeding America program a resounding success.

COUNTDOWN TO A HALF MILLION  MEALS SERVED

Since June 2000, ODB has served almost a half million meals. March 21 at 11:00 a.m. has been  designated to celebrate this milestone. Chef Liz, Mayor Pro Tem Pete Kamp, Rev. Steve Plunkett, and Lori Pope (of Tarrant Area Food Bank) will be on hand to serve the half millionth meal. Other special guests will also be attending to celebrate this landmark along with the clientele. The grim reality is that the need exists to serve  the hungry. ODB and its clients are fortunate to be part of a giving community that allows for those needs to be met. As part of the celebration, cake and refreshments will be served in addition to the noon meal. In addition, to honor the clients of ODB, several drawings will be held for door prizes donated by Wal mart-Hickory Creek and Target Supercenter of Flower Mound. Please come join the celebration!

BY THE NUMBERS

In January 2013, 166 people volunteered for 582 shifts (1701 hours total). In February, 178 volunteers amassed 1808 hours over 560 shifts. ODB would like to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to all volunteers for this wonderful, selfless effort.

SAVE THE DATE

April is Volunteer Appreciation month. To show how much we appreciate our wonderful volunteers, April 23 has been set for our annual ODB Volunteer Appreciation Celebration. Complete information will be forthcoming.

NEW SENIOR PROGRAM COORDINATOR NAMED

Richard "Rick" Holliman has been named Senior Program Coordinator for Our Daily Bread. In his new role, Rick will be responsible for the coordination and monitoring of all programs related to Social Services Referrals and Special Services provided to Our Daily Bread clients. Rick was selected due to his significant qualifications for this position and is a great addition to the staff. Welcome, Rick!

SOCK IT TO US, again... PLEASE