Grace Bridge is located in Celina and was founded on April 9, 2011. On that day, 40 volunteers utilized their resources to serve 110 local families. Since then, they have expanded into several initiatives, but remains a volunteer-based organization equipping neighbors to help neighbors. They seek to serve hope to those in the community who are in need of assistance. Their goal is not to simply distribute food and other material goods, but to develop lasting relationships that over time will encourage those who receive help to return and help others. The Food Bank is strategically focused on serving the “whole person” – striving to meet needs both physically and spiritually. While they do not require families to live within a particular area to receive assistance, their primary service area includes communities along the 380 Corridor in Collin and Denton Counties that are within a 30-mile radius of their Distribution Center in Celina. To more easily meet the needs of families outside of this area, they have formed partnerships with local churches and groups who facilitate “Limited Distribution” sites.
Carter Morris, who serves as the President & CEO had this to say about the organization, “We are people caring for people, families serving families and companies impacting communities.” The Distribution Center, located at 319 W. Walnut, is open on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of every month from 11:00am – 1:00pm for local families to participate in food distributions. They do not require any pre-paperwork or proof of qualification to receive assistance. At every distribution, they serve an average of 115 families and have a variety of volunteer opportunities. They are partnering with Lamar Bank for a canned food drive which is going on now through November 16th.
One of the ways that the Food Bank is supported is through the Grace Bridge Resale Store. They provide high-quality, new and gently used clothing, shoes, accessories, and household goods at affordable prices for local families. They rely on donations to maintain quality store inventory. All profits are used to support other Grace Bridge Initiatives, primarily the Food Bank. They believe this is the most beneficial way to re-purpose donated items and serve the community. There are two locations – one in Celina and the other in Frisco. Niki Carbajal, Store Manager said, “It’s not about a hand out, it’s about a hand up.”
Located on the historic square in downtown Celina, Grace Bridge Farms provides fresh, organic produce to local families who attend Grace Bridge Food Bank Distributions. In addition, Grace Bridge Farms provides opportunities for local families, businesses, and schools to get involved in community garden efforts. The goal is to train families to replicate this method of raised-bed gardening in their own backyards.
Another resource that Grace Bridge is able to offer are free eye exams and low-cost prescription eyewear for local families in need. Thanks to their partnership with Lone Star Vision and Dr. Brantley, they house a full-service exam room in the Distribution Center.
Since 2011, Grace Bridge has been blessed with more than 30,000 volunteer hours. If you would like to get involved with serving local families in need, they would love to have you join their team! Please email info@gracebridge.us or call 214-425-9423 for more information. Financial contributions can be made at www.gracebridge.us/give-hope or if you would like to make a donation, items may be dropped off the locations listed below:
Celina Distribution Center
319 W. Walnut, Celina 75009
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm
Grace Bridge Resale of Frisco
9380 Prestmont Place Frisco, TX 75035
Hours: Monday-Friday 10am-6pm | Saturday 10am-5pm
FUSE Dynamic Work Space
130 North Preston Rd, Prosper, TX 75078
Prestonwood Baptist Church North Campus
1001 Prosper Trail Prosper, TX 75078
A donations trailer is located in the front parking lot.
Hours: Monday-Friday 10am-4pm
Grace Bridge has the following events and opportunities available for you to give back to your community. In this season of thankfulness and giving, please consider the following initiatives:
Thanksgiving Canned Food Drive:
November 1 – November 16
Most needed items: Peanut butter, canned meat, pasta sauce, canned fruit, ravioli
** Extensive list of needs can be found at www.GraceBridge.us
Christmas Canned Food Drive:
November 17 – December 13
** Same needs as Thanksgiving drive
Wrapped in Love:
Collecting new, unwrapped toys between $10-$15
** Deadline: December 5th
CELINA Life & Luxury Magazine 