Not even a pandemic has quelled Plano’s giving spirit this holiday season. A plano teen has raised over $5,000 for Samaritan Inn children according to a Star Local Media article published on December 19th. In it they say:
“The Samaritan Inn in McKinney hasn’t had gatherings for a number of months in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. On Dec. 12, however, the Samaritan Inn cafeteria room had an injection of holiday cheer featuring tables adorned with Christmas cookies and other treats, children and parents seated at various spots in the room and six Christmas trees dotting the room. At the front of the room sat a particularly large tree surrounded by bags and wrapped gifts. They contained specific gifts for each child, provided especially by one Plano teen who wants to make sure they have a Christmas this year. ‘I’m very glad that God blessed us to be able to be with our families today, and I hope everyone has a great holiday,’ 13-year-old Jaxson Turner said. ‘I’m so glad I got to come here and help, and this all means a lot.’ Turner started his philanthropic efforts at age 10 when he wanted to feed the homeless in his community for his birthday. Now, his organization, N2Y2C (Never Too Young To Care), aims to serve people experiencing homelessness, underserved children and others in North Texas, according to the organization website.”
More than that, another group has hosted a huge Holiday giveaway in Plano that included a new car, 2,000 meals, 1,000 toys, and 100 sneakers according to a Dallas Morning News article from December 14th. In it they say:
“The nonprofit group EveryoneEatz is holding one of its biggest giveaways to date next week in Plano. A new car, 2,000 meals, 1,000 toys and 100 pairs of sneakers, will be among the prizes and giveaways at the Wed., Dec. 23 event. In addition, 5,000 face masks, 300 canned meals and 300 dental kits are being given away. Dallas Cowboys players will be on hand to distribute the meals. The event will also feature a live performance by singer Britney Holmes, a former American Idol contestant and an Aubrey native.”
Here’s hoping the spirit of charity lasts until next year with the effects of the pandemic still taking its toll.