For Immediate Release

Over 10,000 Pounds of Food and Cash Collected

SHERMAN, August 3, 2012 – Dr. Susan Thomas, Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG), announced today that during the month of July, TCOG employees worked together to collect over 10,000 pounds in food and cash to be delivered to food pantries throughout Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties in August.

TCOG generally hosts a food drive during the winter months, but the employees agreed to move the drive to July in order to address the severe shortage of goods our local pantries face during summer months. Just as the drive got underway in early July, several food pantries and crisis centers publicized the extreme food shortages and even told stories of turning families away because of their inability to provide food. These stories proved to be a strong motivator for TCOG employees.

“The employees of this organization never cease to amaze me with their generous hearts and genuine compassion for the people of this region. They did this on their own; it wasn’t part of their job assignments. They saw a need in their community and responded,” said Thomas. “Through our projects and programs we are blessed to help people every day, but for these employees the desire to make a difference doesn’t turn off at 5:00. Making a difference is part of who they are, and they’ve proven that to be true again. I am proud to be a part of this team.”

Judy Fullylove, TCOG 2-1-1 Program Manager headed up the initiative by establishing a friendly team competition with 4 teams (Copious Can Collectors, Hunger Busters, Cannery Rouges, Chuck Wagon) established throughout the organization. Team captains then rallied their teams to reach the original goal of 2,500 pounds. Weekly weigh-ins quickly showed TCOG employees were serious, ultimately bringing in 4 times the initial goal. “This has been an amazing example of team work, we all worked together toward a common goal and we are so proud and thankful that we were able to give back to our communities in this time of need.”

Agencies and Programs partnering with TCOG were TAPS, Always Better Care Home Health, and RSVP and Foster Grandparent Volunteers. Their combined contribution was more than 500 lbs. Pantry recipients include: Salvation Army and Grand Central Station Soup Kitchen (Grayson); VISTO (Cooke); Basic Food Pantry, Calvary Baptist Church and Fannin County Crisis Center (Fannin).

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties. Established in 1968, the Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Either directly, or through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.