Burn Ban in Effect. All outdoor burning is prohibited in Franklin County.
The basic human need for food, shelter, and clothing is as old as time. These needs have been noted by many people throughout history, but it takes a special heart to do something about them. Pastor Van Patton was one such person, as were his church members at Hilltop Church in Mount Vernon. In 1996, his church collected donated food and clothing and placed them in a classroom, where they were given to anyone in need.
Eventually the donated items outgrew the classroom, and the construction of a building was discussed. Volunteers throughout Franklin County stepped forward. David Maxton was able to get the steel beams donated, and someone else got most of the concrete donated for the Foundation. Almost all of the insulation was donated. Approximately 55 volunteers worked 8+ hours for 7 straight Saturdays, and the food bank building at 824 Leftwich, south of Hilltop Church, was built. Lowes donated the large and smaller food racks as well as some chest freezers; Brookshire's donated 5 shopping carts. Refrigerators and more freezers were donated by local individuals and businesses. First National Bank donated a large walk-in freezer from a defunct local restaurant, which was converted to a refrigerator by Jon Wayne A/C. Many local businesses and individuals donated "timely" donations to help keep the food bank running.
With recommendations from Garry Romines, a food bank Board of Directors with 7 local citizens was formed. Wil Ramsay gave his time and expertise in helping to write the bylaws.
Many county citizens volunteered to perform daily operations at the Food Bank. In 2010, David Chaney initiated an application for a 501.3c and a nonprofit food bank was "officially" formed.
A few years later, a smaller addition was needed at the back of the food bank, projected to cost $15,000.00, funded by donations Garry Romines solicited by phone in less than 2 hours!
As quoted by Garry, "It was a God thing!" Byron Maxton built that addition as well as the restroom addition in 2022. That addition was mostly paid for by a grant from Wood County Electric, which Cindy Maxton had told Jim Stinson about. Don Bohlken built and donated the large cabinet/countertop in the office. Steve Slayton did the plumbing, Kely Bohlken has helped with electricity, and C&S Air installed the HVAC.
Today, thanks to this very generous Franklin County community, the food bank serves
approximately 140 households with approximately 8,000lbs of food per month, consisting of
canned goods, mixes, meat, and produce. Much of the produce is provided by Tyler East Texas
Food Bank and by local business owners such as Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Sharp as well as local
gardeners with bumper crops. Eggs are donated by chicken house owner, Keith Clayton, and other residents.
Our annual food drive challenge against Winnsboro is currently going on and will end Thursday, October 22nd, with the winner announced at halftime of the Winnsboro game. Donated food may be dropped off at Brookshires, all Mount Vernon schools, churches, and the food bank. (hours Tuesdays from 12-2 pm and Thursdays from 4-5:30 pm) Our Chili Cook-off fundraiser will be Saturday, December 5th on Smokey Row from 10 am to 1pm. Donations may be mailed to: P.O. Box 185, Mount Vernon.
For more information, contact Lynn or Len Lowry at 214-478-0954. Volunteers are always needed and welcome to work at the food bank!
