In April, PPAI staff collected food and money to assist local food pantry Irving Cares. The Association has supported Irving Cares since 2003 and in that time has donated more than 42,000 pounds of goods to benefit hungry families in the community.

During this spring’s drive, PPAI employees contributed 1,010 pounds of food and paper goods—including 2,030 rolls of toilet paper, a most-needed item—and $875 in cash. The PPAI Community Services Committee, an internal group that coordinates the Association staff’s many outreach efforts, spearheaded the project.

PPAI staff also volunteering their time at Irving Cares. On Tuesday and Wednesday of last week, the Association helped the food pantry paint its facility, and stock and organize its warehouse.

Irving Cares is a United Way agency dedicated to providing Irving residents with temporary assistance and training to promote self-sufficiency. It offers such programs as food pantry access, financial assistance, patient transportation, psychotherapy counseling, employment services and medical prescription discounts. Through these services and others, it is able to buffer families from the financial crunch they may be experiencing. Through Irving Cares’ food pantry, groceries are provided to those needing emergency, temporary food supplies. It also provides supplemental assistance to senior citizens living on fixed incomes.