Allen Community Outreach

Allen Community Outreach (ACO) provides a variety of services for the communities of Allen, Lucas and Fairview to individuals and families in crisis such as assistance with rent and utilities; food & clothing; job counseling and placement; meals on wheels; and many other services. Volunteer opportunities include: ACO Resale Shop Allen, ACO Resale Shop Farmersville, ACO Food Pantry, Care & Share Closet, Meals on Wheels, office assistance and special projects. Donations of used cell phones and eyeglasses are welcomed.

For all other ACO inquiries, contact Tonya Moore or Griff Moore at 972-396-1262.

City House

City House provides emergency shelter and transitional residential services for children and young adults who are in need due to abuse, neglect or homelessness through two programs. My Friend’s House is the emergency shelter for children ages newborn to 17, and TRIPS is a transitional program for young adults to help them acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to live independently.Volunteer opportunities include: life skills coach/mentor; provide a meal; rock, read or sing to children; assist with child play; assist with house cleaning or laundry; homework help; run errands for staff; yard work; administrative help; help with special events.

Collin County Adult Literacy Council

This non-profit organization exists to serve the literacy needs of adults in Collin County. The Council currently represents a number of active literacy programs in Collin County. The purpose of the Council is to create public awareness of the need for literacy programs, foster literacy program sponsors, financially assist the beginning and ongoing operations of literacy programs through mini-grants, and to seek cooperation and partnership with other agencies to develop centralized services which best serve the literacy needs of adults.Volunteer opportunities include: serve as an adult tutor, assist with special events.

Frisco Family Services Center

Donations are accepted Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sun., 12 – 4 p.m. The FFS Resale Shop accepts new and gently used clothing, household goods and furniture (that is not stained, torn or broken). They are unable to accept console TVs and TVs more than 5 years old, mattresses and box springs, exercise equipment, computers more than 3 years old and a variety of other items listed on their website. To schedule a donation pick up, call 972-712-7833.

Plain-O-Helpers

Plain-O-Helpers is a Christian-based handyman program of seniors helping other seniors age 55 and older and handicapped persons living in the City of Plano or Plano ISD with minor home maintenance repairs, with a key focus on safety issues. Members of sponsoring churches who live outside the normal service area may also receive help. Volunteer opportunities include: serve on one of the repair teams that go out every Friday morning, assist with larger projects handled during the week.

To request assistance with repairs:

• Call 469-366-4286 or Email Plain-O-Helpers

More information:

• Jerry Smith

Real Options for Women

This local agency provides services for women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. Services include pregnancy testing; STD testing; sonograms; counseling for women and men; abstinence programs for teens, parents and young adults; post-abortion counseling. Volunteer opportunities include: counselors (training course required), support volunteers at clinic, Prayer Team, Life Walk Team, special projects.Donations of new diapers and new baby clothes/items are accepted. For more information, contact Melody Bock.

For information about the women’s auxiliary of Real Options: FriendsofRO.com

The Samaritan Inn

The Samaritan Inn Thrift Store donations are accepted Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Friends of the Inn (Purple Store), 103 E. University Dr., McKinney 75070 and accepts donations of new and used items, household goods and vintage clothing. They are unable to accept large appliances, mattresses, computers or non-working appliances.

To schedule a furniture pick up:

• 972-547-5567