Investing in the communities where we live and work is something we encourage across our entire footprint. Our interns this summer heard that call and acted: organizing a volunteer day at Brother Bill's Helping Hand, a nonprofit that provides food, healthcare, and educational programming to those in need across North Texas.
Brother Bill's Helping Hand: Serving North Dallas for Over 80 Years
Brother Bill's Helping Hand ministers to the Dallas community by ensuring the essentials of life, empowering through learning, and enriching relationships through faith, family, fitness, and finance. What began as service to a single zip code has grown into support for more than 200 zip codes across North Texas, through a grocery store, a clinic for the uninsured, and education programs spanning ESL, job training, financial literacy, and after-school and summer camps.
"We don't see a number. We don't see them as statistics. We want to know your name, but we also want to know your story," said Maria Tovar, Social Services Director at Brother Bill's Helping Hand.
This sentiment was echoed by intern Claire Childress when reflecting on what it was like connecting with Brother Bill’s Helping Hand and organizing this opportunity: "From the very beginning, the Brother Bill's team was incredibly welcoming and made everything easy to coordinate, but what stood out most was the heart behind everything they do…You could tell they genuinely care about serving people with dignity and building meaningful relationships within the community.”
Interns Rally the Team to Pack Groceries for Dallas Families
Led by our summer interns, a group of 21 Sunflower Bank employees came together to volunteer at Brother Bill’s Helping Hand, splitting their time between the organization's grocery store and supporting a produce distribution day. Thanks to their time and effort, 383 families received groceries.
Headed by Claire Childress (Auburn University), this group of interns included: Kate Whiteley (Davidson College), Hamilton Edelen (Texas Christian University), William Hooker (University of the South - Sewanee), Wesley Bryant (Texas A&M University), Hyrum Santos (Brigham Young University), Jack Crofford (University of Texas), Sam Emery (University of Texas), and Digvijay Chaudhari (Texas Christian University).
For Claire, giving back is a value passed down at home, so leading an effort like this for Sunflower Bank was a natural fit.
"My parents have always modeled the idea that we've been blessed so that we can be a blessing to others…We've all been given different gifts, opportunities, and resources, and I want to be a good steward of whatever I've been entrusted with, whether that's my time, my skills, or simply showing up to serve.”
About Brother Bill's Helping Hand
Brother Bill's Helping Hand is dedicated to creating opportunities for North Texas neighbors to thrive. For more than 80 years, the organization has built meaningful relationships within the community while providing support, encouragement, and resources that help individuals and families move forward with confidence and hope. Through a people-first approach rooted in dignity and respect, Brother Bill's Helping Hand continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of those it serves. Learn more about Brother Bill's Helping hand and support their work at bbhh.org.