Thank you,to the businesses, organizations and individuals of Cedar Hill and surrounding area that keep our doors open so we can help your neighbors.

Wow, am I proud of Cedar Hill! We have just come thru a busy, but blessed time of the year. Many hands worked together to provide 195 Thanksgiving meals and 168 Christmas meals that were given to your neighbors that did not have the means to purchase the meals. It definitely takes a village to do what Cedar Hill residents and friends are doing to help those in need. Churches, school kids and employees, businesses, people who came in to drop off food, those that filled the bags, the “gleaners” that picked up food stuff from businesses teamed together to make it happen. Our “village” is one that sets an example for other communities that don’t get the job done due to not working together. Neighbors, young and old, rich and poor were given peace of mind that everyone was blessed and could enjoy the special season with a glad heart. Cedar Hill Food Pantry did not turn any family away during the months of November and December.


This is the 21st year Cedar Hill Food Pantry has provided this joy by neighbors helping neighbors. This year I thought back on the total number of different hardship situations and each family’s story. There are too many to remember them all, but each one is special, and each story is shared with love and compassion by our loving volunteers.

One mother lost her husband last year and continues to care for her six children. She knew the task ahead of her and decided to get her CAN license (certified nursing assistant). She is building her patient clientele. If you know of a friend needing a CAN, please contact the Food Pantry. One lady came in for assistance because she lost her son in late September and her husband in early October of this year. She said that each day, when she said the LORD’S Prayer, she never realized that when she said, “Give us this day our daily bread,” that it would someday mean so much to her. A third family needs provisions for just a month or two. The father could not find work in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and took a job out-of-state. He is working half pay through his three month probationary on the job training period with no benefits. He is using most of this part-time wages for his living expenses away from home. His family is paying an exorbitant amount for insurance coverage. After three months, however they will be back on their feet.

I picture our neighbors that have fallen through the cracks reaching up for help. You, my friend, are extending a hand downward and pulling them up to the level of living they deserve. I wish that you could experience the hugs and words of thankfulness we get for just taking the application and setting them up for receiving food. It is you folks that are giving these grateful neighbors a hand up. God Bless each of you!