Since its inception in 1998, Open Hands has distributed more than 12 million pounds of food, to those who need it most in Donna, TX, and the surrounding areas.  The program has provided services to families, seniors, and veterans with nearly $3 million worth of food in its 24-year history.

From a small food pantry located inside Hi-Way Chapel Church, Open Hands quickly outgrew its original location, and in 1999, the founders relocated to our current location in the heart of Donna. In 2003, the organization became its own 501c3.

In 2007, Open Hands launched a thrift store to help offset the cost of food and provide another revenue source to the organization’s budget.  In addition to generating income, the Open Hands Thrift Store also meets a basic need for our clients and neighboring communities by providing low-cost clothes, shoes, furniture, appliances, toys, and more.

In 2014, Open Hands expanded its programming to the Victoria Road Colonia located in Donna.  With the support of a generous donor, we acquired the land and built a community center as a gathering place for area residents. We use this community center for a variety of programming including a  yearly back-to-school shoes & backpacks program, a  Christmas toy program, a food distribution program, and a summer camp program. In addition, we provide housing renovation and repair assistance to families with demonstrated needs.

During the pandemic, Open Hands served more than 650 individuals and families weekly; and in 2021, we opened our doors to an additional 430 seniors and veterans monthly.

In the summer of 2022, Open Hands partnered with Donna ISD to offer a summer meal program providing a healthy breakfast and lunch to 80 school children every weekday. In the fall, our founders shifted their involvement and the organization hired its first-ever paid Chief Executive Officer who is working to create an operational structure and program plan for long-term organizational sustainability.