Christina Proctor, president of the Shiloh Field Garden Foundation, speaks at the Voices United Giving Circle.
Linda Bragg
The members of Voices United gathered at the home of Jane Thompson on Aug. 22 for a Community Outreach fundraiser. This was an unconventional meeting for the group. The meeting was a giving circle to raise funds for three local nonprofit organizations. In order to attend, each member was asked to bring a check for $50, which would be donated to one of three nonprofits: Hearts for Homes, Justin Community Closet, and Shiloh Garden. A representative from each group spoke to the members and explained their mission.
Hearts for Homes is a Denton organization that provides home repairs for the elderly in the community. Susan Frank explained to the members that Hearts for Homes strives to provide a safe and comfortable living situation so that the elderly may remain in their homes. Most of the work needed is roofing, plumbing, and electrical. These repairs are provided by volunteers and companies that work with the nonprofit. Volunteers are always welcome. Hearts for Homes will have their 20th anniversary in 2026.
Justin Community Closet is a nonprofit providing free clothing to the residents and school children throughout Denton County. Joanna Johnson and Gwen St. Clair told the group that Community Closet was started 14 years ago to help families in need. One way the group helps is at the beginning of the school year children get socks, underwear, a new pair of shoes, and school clothes. There is no cost for anything at Community Closet. They also help after a family has had a fire or disaster and assist social services and hospitals when asked. About 60 families are served every month. The Closet is an all-volunteer organization and is supported through donations and fundraising.
Christina Proctor spoke about the nonprofit Shiloh Garden. The group provides fresh produce to feed Denton residents who are food insecure. Shiloh Garden is now the largest urban garden in the state. They provide over 450,000 pounds of food each year. Recently, they have been able to add chickens to the Garden. They have two major needs at this time: to bring electricity to the property and to purchase the land they are gardening.
Following the presentations, Voices members selected which of the groups would receive their donation. An example of the impact the program had is that Justin Community Closet received enough in donations to purchase more than 80 pairs of shoes for school children.
Voices United is a non-partisan group of Robson Ranch women who share progressive values, perform community outreach, provide civic awareness and social contact for members, and have a good time! We’re a 501(c)(3) group. Our annual dues are $25.
For more information, go to www.voicesunitedrr.org.