Founder still resting at home on medical leave

Magnolia non-profit Society of Samaritans is struggling to keep supplies in demand during a busy summer and tough economic times.

Gina Galloway, who regularly volunteers with S.O.S., said the challenges local residents have seen in the past couple of years has greatly increased the number of people seeking assistance.

“Since Hurricane Ike and Katrina, it seems like they come from everywhere,” she said of people and families in need.

“With the economy the way it’s been, a lot of our clients are people we’ve never seen before. A lot have lost jobs and are scared and embarrassed. We try to give them any service we can,” she said. Some of those services include helping pay utility bills and registering those who may be facing hard times with the Texas Workforce Commission.

“If they didn’t lose jobs, they had to downsize. Our growing area has exploded with newcomers and it’s been a lot to handle,” Galloway added.

Since S.O.S. founder Judy Everett went on medical leave in March, Galloway says group members and volunteers have put in time to keep the organization on track.

“Everybody’s pulling our weight, we’re doing well,” she said.

Galloway said Everett is still on medical leave and “resting at home,” but has received many well-wishes, cards and prayers sent to her.

She was unsure when Everett was returning.

All who work at S.O.S. are unpaid volunteers. At least three people work in the food pantry daily, Monday through Friday. Galloway estimated that around 40 volunteers help out at the pantry weekly, not counting special event volunteers.

Staples the pantry is always in need of, especially in the summer months when children are home from school all day, are products such as peanut butter, jelly, macaroni and cheese, cereal and “anything easy” to cook.

Canned vegetables and canned meat are “big items” that are needed as well.

“Some kids are at home a lot and have to be able to feed themselves, as well as younger siblings,” said Galloway.

Easy to make meals, such as microwaveable items, are encouraged.

Galloway added that the pantry is running low on personal products as well.

S.O.S. also offers the federal assistance program Women, Infants and Children (WIC) on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., a program recently started at the organization in the past couple months. It provides immunizations and nutrition plans.

Local organizations and churches have helped with food drives and contests, but the Montgomery County Food Bank, where S.O.S. purchases its food from, is low as well.

The S.O.S. food bank, located at 31355 Industrial Lane, St. 500, is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information on S.O.S., visit www.societyofsamaritans.com or call 281-252-9647.

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