Past Newsletters

Some of you may have already heard this story, but I wanted to share one of my most embarrassing moments with you. I donated my mother-in-law to ACO! Let me explain.

I married a wonderful man ten years ago. Five years into our marriage, we finally moved into a larger home. Like any big move, we began the huge task of packing—and of course, sorting what to keep and what to donate. In the midst of that chaos, one item I didn’t recognize—a decorative piece that looked like a Greek column garden ornament—was placed in the “donate” pile.

We’ve all felt that tug at our hearts — maybe it’s a commercial showing a shivering dog in the snow or a child’s tearful plea. For me, it’s those sad puppy eyes that make me want to donate on the spot. For my husband, it’s anything related to veterans. We all have our causes, the ones that move us to give.

In fact, 69% of Americans donate to charity, according to NonprofitSource.com. Even more — 84% — say they prioritize giving to local organizations. While national nonprofits do important work, it’s local agencies like ACO that are on the frontlines, helping neighbors in need and creating real change right here at home.

…In a land not so far away, leaders in Allen recognized a need in the community and had the foresight to provide services for neighbors facing crisis situations. Gary Rodenbaugh recalls a group of community-minded individuals gathered around a kitchen table, discussing the lack of resources in their growing community.

These services included essential items such as clothing. From those conversations, Allen Community Outreach (ACO) was born. A nonprofit organization was formed, complete with a Board of Directors. Bob Williams served as ACO’s first President —40 years ago.

As I sit down this morning to write this message, one thing keeps crossing my mind—I’m hungry! I can’t quite remember if I skipped breakfast (a habit I’m trying to break), but I think I grabbed a protein shake on the way out the door. Either way, my hunger makes me start thinking about tonight’s dinner plans too. Should I cook tonight, or are we eating out? Can you relate to wandering thoughts of food like I do?

Answering a call at the front desk from someone facing homelessness and guiding them through the process of applying for assistance.

Assisting an appreciative grandmother as she loads her car with groceries from the ACO Food Pantry.

Sorting donated clothing and household items to ensure the ACO Cares Center is stocked with essentials for families in need.

What comes to mind when you think of All Community Outreach? To many, their first thought is that we are a food pantry. And we are! We are one of the largest in Collin County. Last year, more than 1.4 MILLION pounds of food were distributed to local families facing hunger.

But ACO is more than a food pantry. You probably also think of ACO as an agency to provide financial assistance to those families facing homelessness. And we are! ACO receives an average of 20 applications each day from Collin County residents requesting help with their rent and utility bills.