Forty area high school students contributed more than 2,161 volunteer hours while leading innovative service projects, including a six-school drive that collected 2,503 coats and winter clothing items

The Storehouse Community Center celebrated a record-breaking year for its Youth Leadership Council (YLC), whose 40 student leaders contributed more than 2,161 volunteer hours and spearheaded a massive six-school clothing drive that collected 2,503 coats and winter clothing items for neighbors in need. The accomplishments were recognized during the organization’s year-end celebration honoring extraordinary service, leadership development and collaboration among students representing 16 North Texas high schools.

Founded in 2021, the YLC continues to grow as a leadership pipeline for young nonprofit and community leaders. This year, the council achieved its highest level of service to date, with members averaging 54 volunteer hours each – far surpassing the program’s annual 30-hour commitment.

“This year’s Youth Leadership Council members demonstrated what is possible when young people are empowered to lead with compassion, creativity and purpose,” said Candace Winslow, CEO of The Storehouse Community Center. “When I see a student in that green YLC shirt, it tells me they already understand that true leadership begins with service. The next nonprofit leader—the next CEO—is sitting in this room, and we are incredibly proud to help shape their journey.”

Throughout the year, YLC members gained hands-on experience learning about each of The Storehouse’s core programs, including food assistance, clothing resources, education, social services and workforce partnerships. Students interviewed program directors and worked through real-life case studies focused on problem-solving and community impact.

In addition to volunteering in the food pantry and across various Storehouse programs, students organized and led the “Warm Hearts with Warm Coats” campaign, a six-school clothing drive effort that united Plano West Senior High School, John Paul II High School, Prince of Peace Christian School, Hebron High School, Shepton High School and Frisco Memorial High School under a shared theme and branding initiative featuring hand-painted fireplace collection boxes created by the students. The extraordinary community-wide effort collected 2,503 winter clothing items and coats for neighbors in need, more than quadrupling last year’s YLC collection total of 562 items.

The council also hosted an end-of-year socks and underwear drive, collecting 284 essential items for neighbors in need. Additionally, the YLC students prepared hundreds of protein bites to fuel adult learners in the Academy ESL program, which meets for four hours every Saturday morning across two intensive twelve-week semesters from August to May.

At the year-end celebration, The Storehouse recognized three recipients of the David Huerta Student Volunteer Award*, presented annually to students who not only complete the highest number of volunteer hours, but also exemplify The Storehouse’s values of service and leadership:

• Lucas Gonzales, John Paul II High School — 185.25 hours
• Alberto Ramos Hinojosa, John Paul II High School — 129.75 hours
• Javier Alonso, John Paul II High School — 111 hours

This marks the first year that all three award recipients surpassed 100 service hours.

The organization also honored 15 graduating seniors completing their service on the council:

Asil Miah, Plano West Senior High School

Ava Henry, John Paul II High School

Brad Bai, Plano West Senior High School

Colin Goodlin, Plano West Senior High School

Fletcher Stall, Fairhill School

Ipsita Devalla, Plano West Senior High School

Isaias Gonzalez, Harmony High School

Joshua Eappen, Frisco Memorial High School

Magere Bodo, Frisco Memorial High School

Misha Kandukuri, Plano West Senior High School

Saanvi Gundala, Plano West Senior High School

Sanjitha Bandi, Plano West Senior High School

Surabhi Halbe, Plano West Senior High School

Tessa Devasia, John Paul II High School

Tyler Adams, John Paul II High School

During the celebration, graduating senior Tessa Devasia, valedictorian of the John Paul II High School Class of 2026, reflected on how her experience with the YLC transformed her understanding of service and leadership.

“Through volunteering at The Storehouse, I’ve learned that service has a way of changing you,” said Devasia. “It taught me that helping others isn’t always about doing something big or extraordinary. Sometimes it’s just showing up, giving your time and being willing to serve wherever you’re needed.”

Senior Brad Bai also reflected on his four years of service on the council, the friendships he formed with students who share a passion for helping others, and how the experience transformed his understanding of leadership.

“I have learned that leadership means taking the initiative to help others and lift them up, showing up to serve neighbors in need, welcoming someone new and stepping forward to do what is right,” said Bai. “The YLC has given me an incredible experience through meeting new people, building lasting friendships and helping me grow into the person I am today.”

“These students continually inspire me with their willingness to step forward, solve problems and serve wherever there is a need,” said Ben Skye, director of communications and culture and YLC advisor at The Storehouse. “What makes this group so special is not only the incredible amount of service they provide, but the compassion, leadership and teamwork they demonstrate along the way. They are learning that leadership is about showing up for others, working together to meet challenges and making a meaningful impact in their community.”

The YLC season begins each August with orientation and concludes each spring with the year-end celebration, recognizing students for their service, leadership and dedication to strengthening the community through The Storehouse mission to feed, clothe, and care for neighbors in need.

While the YLC roster is complete for the 2026–27 year, The Storehouse welcomes all high school students to volunteer. Students who have completed 30 lifetime volunteer hours at The Storehouse are eligible to apply for the YLC in April each year. To sign up, visit www.thestorehousecc.org/volunteer-sign-up. To learn more about the Youth Leadership Council, visit www.thestorehousecc.org/ylc.

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*DAVID A. HUERTA, 23, the award’s namesake, began volunteering at The Storehouse at age 14 after he and his family arrived in Plano as immigrants from Venezuela. He volunteered weekly, helped found the YLC, and is a graduate of University of Texas at Dallas with a bachelor's degree in finance. Huerta is now a financial analyst with Windstar Properties. 

The Storehouse Community Center (formerly The Storehouse of Collin County) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the community through food, clothing, resources, education, and employment support. By creating strong partnerships and offering transformational programs, TSCC works to address the root causes of food insecurity and empower neighbors to achieve self-sufficiency. During its previous fiscal year, The Storehouse served 166,124 unduplicated neighbors with the support of more than 2,000 volunteers. Visit www.thestorehousecc.org. The Storehouse EIN: 27-1883333

THE STOREHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTER CELEBRATES DENNY MOSSELLER AS THE 2026 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Mosseller, who has volunteered for 10 years, was the guest of honor at the Storehouse’s 2026 volunteer appreciation event at Riders Field, where he threw out the first pitch before a Frisco RoughRiders game

The Storehouse Community Center has named longtime volunteer Denny Mosseller as the 2026 Volunteer of the Year. Since 2016, Mosseller has contributed 1,027 hours across multiple Storehouse programs, making a lasting impact on thousands of neighbors. On April 26 he was the guest of honor at The Storehouse’s 2026 Volunteer Appreciation Celebration at Riders Field, where he threw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Frisco RoughRiders game.

“I am so honored to be named The Storehouse Volunteer of the Year,” said Denny Mosseller. “There are so many wonderful volunteers who are equally deserving of this recognition. My wife, Kay Kay, and I have developed meaningful friendships with our fellow volunteers as well as with The Storehouse staff, who have been a true blessing in our lives. Seeing neighbors receive such caring and essential services and getting to know them personally has made a profound impact on me.”

Mosseller first began volunteering with The Storehouse after a friend encouraged him and his wife to serve in the food pantry, where he quickly witnessed the compassion and dedication shown not only to neighbors seeking food, but also among the volunteers and staff. Volunteering as a loader, Mosseller helps place food items on carts that volunteers take outside to meet neighbors arriving for their appointments.

“As a loader, my favorite experiences center around working alongside my fellow volunteers, interacting with them, staying busy, working hard and seeing our neighbors get the help that they need,” added Mosseller. “Every member of The Storehouse staff has been exemplary in their desire to serve and has always made me and my wife feel like valued members of a great team.”

For the past three years, Mosseller has also volunteered in The Storehouse’s Academy education program, where he is part of a team teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) classes on Saturday mornings.

“I truly love working with our students and watching their English skills grow and their confidence soar,” continued Mosseller. “It is especially rewarding when a former ESL student stops by on a Saturday morning to share how much they appreciated our support and how well they are doing in their job and life. Once they realize you genuinely care about encouraging and helping them, they begin to see you as a friend and mentor. As a teacher, that kind of feedback and those relationships are priceless. Working alongside my fellow teachers and the Academy staff also brings a great deal of joy to my life.”

As one of the speakers at The Academy’s May 2025 graduation ceremony, Mosseller offered a powerful reminder to the graduates: “Your struggle is our struggle,” reflecting the deep bond formed between students and the entire Storehouse community.

The Storehouse’s four integrated programs – the Seven Loaves Food Pantry, Joseph’s Coat Clothing Closet, Project Hope Neighbor Care, and The Academy Education Program – work together to provide pathways toward transformation for neighbors from Collin, Dallas, and Denton counties. As needs are identified, team members help connect individuals to additional resources for more holistic support.

“As I reflect on my past volunteer service and look ahead to the future of The Storehouse, it is my hope that it will continue to expand its reach to serve an ever-growing number of neighbors in surrounding communities,” added Mosseller. “And as it grows, I hope we never lose sight of where we began, never turn our backs on those in need, and never allow our focus to shift from serving people to serving the organization itself.”

Originally from North Carolina, Mosseller and his wife have lived in the Carrollton/Lewisville area for 48 years.  He was an Air Force pilot for six years and then spent 36 years with Southwest Airlines as a captain, retiring from Southwest in 2014. When he’s not volunteering, he enjoys golf, bicycling, hunting, fishing, snow skiing and traveling with his wife of 55 years.  The couple also enjoy spending time with their son and his family in Celina, Texas. 

“The Volunteer of the Year award represents the very best of who we are as an organization,” said Candace Winslow, CEO of The Storehouse Community Center. “Denny embodies a deep, consistent commitment to serving others with humility, compassion, and joy. Whether he is in the pantry, the classroom, or simply encouraging those around him, he leads by example and reminds us that lasting impact is built through relationships. We are incredibly grateful for the countless ways he has invested in our neighbors and strengthened our community.”

To volunteer at The Storehouse, visit www.thestorehousecc.org/volunteer-sign-up.

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The Storehouse Community Center (formerly The Storehouse of Collin County) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the community through food, clothing, resources, education, and employment support. By creating strong partnerships and offering transformational programs, TSCC works to address the root causes of food insecurity and empower neighbors to achieve self-sufficiency. During its previous fiscal year, The Storehouse served 166,124 unduplicated neighbors with the support of more than 2,000 volunteers. Visit www.thestorehousecc.org. The Storehouse EIN: 27-1883333

JOSEPH’S COAT LAUNCHES COMMUNITY-WIDE CALL FOR WINTER COATS
Businesses, groups, and individuals invited to donate gently used and new coats for neighbors in need

Joseph’s Coat, a program of The Storehouse Community Center that provides clothing at no cost to neighbors in need, is asking the community to donate new and gently used winter coats and jackets for children, teens, and adults. Last year, Joseph’s Coat distributed more than 2,000 winter coats to men, women, and children across Dallas, Collin, and Denton counties.

“For many families, rent, utilities, and groceries must come first, leaving little room to purchase seasonal items like winter coats,” said Susan Gradick, director of Joseph’s Coat. “A warm coat is essential for health and safety, but it also provides dignity and confidence – especially for children attending school, waiting at bus stops, and participating in outdoor activities. The impact of a coat is far greater than many of us realize.”

The Storehouse encourages local businesses, organizations, and individuals to consider hosting a winter coat drive as a meaningful and accessible way to serve neighbors during the colder months.

“Community members often ask how they can help in a tangible way, and a coat drive is one of the simplest and most impactful options,” Gradick added. “Many of us have coats at home that are no longer worn but still have plenty of life left. We also welcome monetary donations, which help us purchase coats in the sizes and styles most needed. Since our founding in 2009, Joseph’s Coat has relied on the generosity of the community to serve neighbors at no cost each week.”

Donations may be dropped off at the Joseph’s Coat shed, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in the north parking lot at The Storehouse Community Center, located at 1401 Mira Vista Blvd., Plano.

Those interested in volunteering at Joseph’s Coat may sign up at https://www.thestorehousecc.org/volunteer. Neighbors in need of clothing may access Joseph’s Coat on Mondays and Wednesdays by appointment only.

“Time and again, neighbors share how meaningful this clothing closet is to them,” Gradick said. “One of those neighbors is Lidia Lugo, who received a coat in December and recently shared just how much it meant to her.”

“My beautiful new coat not only keeps me warm, but it also makes me feel happy, satisfied, and confident,” said Lugo.

“Lidia has since become a treasured volunteer in our clothing closet,” Gradick added. “With her background in retail, she brings a keen eye for detail – helping keep racks stocked and organized so neighbors can shop with ease. We are deeply grateful for her service and so happy we had the perfect coat for her when she needed it.”

“With more cold weather still ahead, we hope the community will check their closets—or consider hosting a coat drive—to help ensure everyone has what they need to face winter with confidence.”

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The Storehouse Community Center (formerly The Storehouse of Collin County) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the community through food, clothing, resources, education, and employment support. By creating strong partnerships and offering transformational programs, TSCC works to address the root causes of food insecurity and empower neighbors to achieve self-sufficiency. During its previous fiscal year, The Storehouse served 166,124 unduplicated neighbors with the support of more than 2,000 volunteers. Visit www.thestorehousecc.org. The Storehouse EIN: 27-1883333

Offered three times a year, the on-site mobile unit provides mammograms to women in need, with October’s visit recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, The Storehouse Community Center is shining a light on the power of partnership and prevention. Through its collaboration with Golden Cross Academic Clinic and Methodist Health System’s Mobile Mammography Unit, The Storehouse offers free on-site mammograms three times a year—making life-saving screenings accessible to women who might otherwise go without.

“Our partnership with Golden Cross Academic Clinic first began in 2022, enabling us to refer our neighbors to healthcare services at their clinic as well as to provide health education classes through our Academy education program,” said Candace Winslow, CEO of The Storehouse Community Center. “Through Project Hope, our case management arm, we’re able to walk alongside our neighbors and connect them to resources beyond food and clothing—including medical care. We are deeply grateful to Golden Cross and Methodist Health System for their partnership and for bringing critical breast health services directly to our campus—ensuring that more women have access to life-saving screenings.”

The mammography unit’s first visit to The Storehouse occurred in June of 2022.  Since then, more than 200 neighbors have received screenings. If a concern is identified, the clinic refers neighbors to appropriate follow-up care through a patient navigation process, helping connect them to low-cost services whenever possible.

For Storehouse neighbor Nancy Ferguson, who lost her mother to breast cancer and is considered high risk, finding the mammography unit at The Storehouse was a “gift from God.”

Ferguson, a mother of five daughters ranging in age from 12 to 35, understands the importance of regular mammograms. Cancer runs deep in her family – both her parents and several relatives on both sides have battled the disease.

“I’ve always been adamant about getting my annual mammogram,” said Ferguson. “But after my divorce, I no longer had insurance and couldn’t afford the screening. It was very stressful because I knew my risk was high. I had been searching for somewhere to get screened, and then one day I passed by a mobile mammography unit in front of The Storehouse Community Center.”

Originally from Honduras, Ferguson has been living in the United States for 28 years and works as a nanny in the neighborhood near The Storehouse. She was already familiar with the work of The Storehouse after stopping by one day when seeing multiple cars lined up outside.

“I stopped that day and talked to a volunteer who was so friendly,” recalled Ferguson. “She explained that the cars were there for the food pantry program at The Storehouse and told me about other resources like classes and clothing. She gave me a flyer with a QR code, and I learned more. This is such a difficult time we live in, so I started coming regularly to get food for my family – wonderful food…meat, eggs, fruit and more. It was so organized, and everyone was so happy and kind.”

“Then on the day I drove by and saw the big mammography bus parked in front of The Storehouse, I could not believe it!” said Ferguson. “It was like God had put it there for me! I went inside to see if they had time to see me and was able to make an appointment! I felt so blessed.”

“My mother had breast cancer twice,” she continued. “We were living in Honduras, and I was a teenager when she found a lump on Christmas Day. She was only 35. My mother felt ill, and when she put her hands on her chest, she felt a lump in her left breast. She had a mastectomy, and I dropped out of college to care for her because my dad needed to work. Years later when she was 60, it came back aggressively as stage 3 cancer. She had a second mastectomy and lived for three more years.”

“Then my dad developed prostate cancer, which metastasized, and he only lived another three years, passing away at 68,” continued Ferguson. “I also cared for him.”

Cancer has touched many in her extended family. Her mother’s brother developed skin cancer; her dad’s brother developed testicular cancer and passed away, and that uncle’s daughter developed ovarian cancer.

“I have always done self-exams, but a screening is so important,” added Ferguson. “Twenty years ago, I had extensive screening and genetic testing, and the doctor told me I was a miracle because I didn’t have cancer. He told me to get checked every six months, and I’ve worked hard to stay on top of it!”

Ferguson is deeply grateful to The Storehouse Community Center and Methodist Health System for making lifesaving screenings accessible.

“My advice to other women is simple – don’t wait!” she said. “Cancer is real, and it’s very bad. Be healthy for yourself and your family. The Storehouse provides this at no cost, and that can save your life.”

Today, Ferguson focuses on maintaining a healthy lifestyle – eating well, exercising, managing stress, and cherishing time with her family.  

“All during October, I wear something pink in memory of my mother,” she added. “It might be a shirt, a bow, or a bracelet. Everyone needs to know how important it is to check yourself and get annual screenings. The Storehouse has helped me in so many ways – with food, clothing, mammograms, doctor visits, and referrals, and everyone has taken such good care of me. I feel truly blessed.”

The Methodist Dallas Medical Center Golden Cross Academic Clinic is an outpatient department of Methodist Dallas Medical Center and provides a location for a multi-specialty clinic serving patients in Oak Cliff, South Dallas, and surrounding neighborhoods, offering services in acute care, primary care, and chronic conditions.

“Since partnering with The Storehouse, we’ve seen firsthand how access changes outcomes,” said Dr. Elizabeth Brewer, Medical Director of Internal Medicine, Golden Cross Academic Clinic. “Working together, we are providing both women and men access to ongoing medical care, education, and preventive services. Programs like the mobile mammography unit help us meet neighbors where they are, empowering them to take charge of their health.”

For more information on mammography screenings at The Storehouse, email info@thestorehousecc.org, complete the request form available at www.thestorehousecc.org under “I need more,” or call 469-385-1813.

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The Storehouse Community Center (formerly The Storehouse of Collin County) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the community through food, clothing, resources, education, and employment support. By creating strong partnerships and offering transformational programs, TSCC works to address the root causes of food insecurity and empower neighbors to achieve self-sufficiency. During its previous fiscal year, The Storehouse served 166,124 unduplicated neighbors with the support of more than 2,000 volunteers. Visit www.thestorehousecc.org. The Storehouse EIN: 27-1883333

Student-led nonprofit association has donated more than 6,000 clothing items to The Storehouse Community Center in less than a year to help local families in need

Two Liberty High School students, Eli Kim and Amit Jennings, turned a simple idea into a powerful movement of compassion and community service. Together, they founded Wear It Forward, a student-led nonprofit that has donated over 6,000 clothing items—valued at more than $90,000—to The Storehouse Community Center in less than a year, providing essential support to local families in need.

What began in early 2025 with a few front-porch pickups has grown into a multi-school operation spanning Frisco, Allen, Plano, and McKinney. Today, Wear It Forward boasts two chapters, a team of 15+ student volunteers, and active partnerships with seven high schools and three elementary/middle schools.

The organization’s model is both simple and impactful: make donating clothes easier by offering home pickups, collecting unclaimed items from lost and found closets at schools, and organizing donation drives. On September 2, the student founders delivered 750 clothing items to Joseph’s Coat, The Storehouse’s clothing closet. Through this program, neighbors in need can make an appointment to "shop" for clothing at no cost, choosing items for themselves and their families. Last fiscal year, Joseph's Coat distributed 130,583 articles of clothing, a significant increase from 90,325 in the previous fiscal year. All clothing is provided through community donations.

“We know that everyone has clothes they no longer need, but many people don’t donate because it’s inconvenient,” said Eli Kim, co-founder. “We are working to remove the barriers and create a system that makes giving back easy, fast, and meaningful.”

The students have put in hundreds of volunteer hours, leading National Honor Society drives, managing social media, designing and posting flyers, and promoting their cause across the community. With plans to expand into Carrollton and Richardson, their vision is to scale their efforts and continue empowering young people to lead with purpose.

“The overwhelming support we’ve received from the community has far exceeded anything we imagined,” added Amit Jennings, co-founder. “It’s been incredibly meaningful to know that we’re helping people through difficult times — offering not just clothing, but warmth and hope to our neighbors in need.”

“The generosity and leadership shown by the students behind Wear It Forward have made a tremendous difference in the lives of the families we serve,” said Candace Winslow, CEO of The Storehouse Community Center. “Their commitment to meeting a basic, yet often overlooked, need has helped restore dignity and confidence to so many in our community. We are proud to partner with such inspiring young leaders who are proving that age is no barrier to making a meaningful impact."

Community members can support Wear It Forward by donating gently used clothing. To schedule a pickup, visit their Instagram page at @wear_itforward or email wearitforward733@gmail.com for more information.

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The Storehouse Community Center (formerly The Storehouse of Collin County) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the community through food, clothing, resources, education, and employment support. By creating strong partnerships and offering transformational programs, TSCC works to address the root causes of food insecurity and empower neighbors to achieve self-sufficiency. During its previous fiscal year, The Storehouse served 182,024 unduplicated neighbors with the support of more than 2,000 volunteers. Visit www.thestorehousecc.org. The Storehouse EIN: 27-1883333