Powered by our Volunteers
As we step into the fresh air of April, we are reminded that while the mission of I58 is driven by a vision, it is powered by people.
This month is National Volunteer Month, and it serves as a beautiful reminder of the hands and feet that make our restorative work possible. From the heavy lifting at our food distributions to the quiet moments of prayer and planning, your dedication transforms a simple service into a restorative movement. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or are just starting to roll with us, thank you for choosing to give your time, your strength, and your heart to our neighbors. You aren’t just filling boxes; you’re restoring hope. We cannot accomplish this without you. We have touched the lives of thousands in our area because of your sacrifice of giving up days to serve, donating a monthly amount that takes care of our needs to pour into families, and even praying for God’s love to overflow into each car that drives through. Thank you for turning our hands and feet into hundreds of hands and feet pouring into our city.
April by the Numbers
While we can’t measure every smile or moment of connection, these figures offer a glimpse into the massive impact your hands made this April.
🏠 430 Families
👥 1,976 Individuals
🥫 42,722 Pounds of Foods
🤝 9 Organizations Served
😃 72 Volunteers
Volunteer of the Month
Meet Melinda Eldridge, a dedicated member of our i58 family who has been serving with us since 2020. Melinda’s journey with i58 began when she heard about the food pantry through her church. Feeling a call to help, she stepped in to volunteer and never looked back.
Currently, Melinda plays a vital role in our operations by preparing frozen food items for the distribution boxes. While she modestly calls it a “small part of the process,” it is essential to ensuring that the families we serve have a nutritious variety of food on their tables.
For Melinda, the rewards of volunteering go both ways. Serving at i58 has deepened her sense of gratitude and her awareness of the needs within our community.
“It’s given me the opportunity to serve others, show compassion, and be reminded of the importance of helping those in need,” she says. “It’s been rewarding to know that even a little bit of my time can help someone else.”
Melinda hopes to continue serving faithfully, meeting the needs of families, and—most importantly—encouraging others to join the mission.
Thank you Melinda for your heart of service!
Contest: Capture the Spirit of I58!
We are looking for the best photos and videos from our next distribution event on May 2st, and we want to see it through your eyes! Whether it’s a snapshot of a smiling volunteer, a video of the team in action, or a “behind the scenes” look at the preparation—we want to share your stories.
Winners will win gift cards! We will choose:
-Best Quality Photo
-Best Quality Video
How to Enter: It’s easy! Just capture your favorite moments during the May 2st event and upload them to our official entry form by May 20th.
By submitting, you’re helping us tell the I58 story. We can’t wait to see what you capture!
We are a Team
We believe the best way to change a community is to be truly present in it. Come say hi at our next distribution day or join us in volunteering—we’d love to hear your story.
We are overwhelmed by the way this community shows up for our neighbors. If you feel led to grow your impact this month, here are three ways to join the mission of i58:
-
Pray with Us: We believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to “abound in hope.” Please pray for the families we serve—that they would feel seen, known, and loved by God.
-
Serve with Us: From freezer prep on Tuesdays to shopping days on Thursdays, our volunteers are the hands and feet of Jesus. We’d love to have you join the team!
-
Give with Us: With 1 in 6 Texas households facing food insecurity, your financial gifts allow us to keep our shelves stocked and our doors open. Every gift, large or small, makes a tangible difference.
