Each night in North Texas, thousands of children go to sleep without a home. More than 500 homeless children are enrolled in Plano ISD. Last year, Hope Supply Co. (HSC), the largest diaper bank in North Texas, distributed more than 40,000 diapers a week to its partner agencies, more than double the year before. Plano resident Patti O’Meara has a passion for helping foster happy, healthy children in North Texas through her role as a board member for HSC.
Patti, what led you to Hope Supply Co.?
Years ago, I retired from practicing law to raise my family with my husband Kevin here in Plano. In 2015 during a school auction, I reconnected with an old friend who was an HSC board member. She shared some startling statistics about the homeless population in North Texas. I decided to get involved.
What’s most rewarding about volunteering?
I feel that I am making a real difference in the North Texas homeless community at a very basic level. Think about how many diapers a day a baby or toddler needs. Disposable diapers cost $70 to $80 per month per baby, and diapers cannot be obtained with food stamps. Imagine you need to go to work or school to support your family long-term, and your child’s daycare requires you to bring disposable diapers you cannot afford.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a board member for HSC?
Raising awareness and getting Hope Supply Co.’s name out there to volunteers and donors. Many people have heard of our partner agencies [like Hope’s Door, The Samaritan Inn and City House] who are on the front lines providing services to the homeless children in our community, but they don’t know about the vital role HSC plays in supplying the diapers, wipes, hygiene supplies, school uniforms and school supplies these agencies depend upon to serve families in need.
How can the public help?
Donate money or supplies by visiting our website. Every dollar donated translates into $2.09 of purchasing power for critically needed items, and 96% of all funds raised goes directly to support homeless and at-risk children. Sign up to volunteer by contacting our volunteer coordinator Liz Muth at Liz@hopesupplyco.org.
Hope Supply Co Website >
