Help us impact even more families
For every $100 donated, 20 families are given a week’s worth of food.
Open Hands exists to help people in need today, bringing hope for a better tomorrow.
— Open Hands Mission Statement
Our Story
The story began with the founders’ passion to help others in need. David and Kathleen Green moved from Ireland to the USA believing that they had a higher purpose and calling to help people. For over 30 years, they served others in the role of pastor and co-pastor. Often along that journey, they found themselves to be the ones in need and without food for their family. But they were blessed by caring individuals who would show up unannounced bringing groceries to their home. It is countless stories like this that has flamed the vision and passion of Open Hands to bring help to those in need. Open Hands officially began operation in 1999.
Meet our CEO
Elias Ozuna
After 29 years working for the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) and retiring as the Financial Aid Director of UTRGV on September 30, 2022, I am more passionate than ever to serve the community as CEO of Open Hands Community Charitable Services. Although I did not know it at the time, my experience as a leader in higher education, and as Senior Pastor of Hope Community Church since 2014, was just the training and experience I needed to lead Open Hands into a legacy of positive impact for those in need. I’m determined and excited to use all my experience and education (MBA) to establish a foundation that will live well beyond my years on this earth. As the good book states, it is truly more blessed to give than to receive. I look forward to the smiles on the faces of children and families when Open Hands is able to meet a need.
Our Food Program
The Open Hands Food Program has fed hundreds of families every month for years as a Food Pantry. To learn more about our food program click the link below.
Thrift Store
The Open Hands Thrift Store sells low cost items to our clients and the public. The Thrift Store is open Monday-Friday from 8:00am-11:00am. Our Thrift Store sells a wide variety of items from clothes, shoes, furniture, appliances, toys, books, cosmetics, and more. All inventory at Open Hands Thrift Store is donated. If you are interested in donating some items come to Open Hands Thrift Store during our operating hours. The funds raised from the Thrift Store are used to fund our programs here at Open Hands. Donating used items to our Thrift Store is a simple way to support Open Hands.
Adopting Communities
One strategy at Open Hands is to “adopt” a local community neighborhood to streamline our programs. With our adoptive communities Open Hands is able to create relationship and build trust with those in our community.
Upcoming Events
Learn more about our upcoming events at Open Hands. We have Food Distributions 4 times a month.
“The need in Donna is so deep and vast. Without Open Hands, there would be many without food. Open Hands is the largest food pantry in the area and its leaders are trusted by Donna citizens, city officials, and other nonprofit organizations.”
— Funders and Community Partners
Visit Us
301 S 17th St.
Donna Tx, 78537
Hours
Monday–Friday
8am–11am
Phone
(956) 461-6920
