Local business gathers coats for a charity
By Lori Mellinger editor@bullardnews.com

When Reagan Shinalt began getting to know the community, one of the first places she visited was Mission House.

She was so moved by the services provided that she knew immediately she wanted to help any way she could. "By the time I finished touring the place, I was almost in tears," Reagan said. "The scope of of services they offer and the dedicated people who work there really moved me."

Reagan and her husband Phil - who recently opened a REMAX office in Bullard, brainstormed to come up with something to help the nonprofit agency.

They wanted to provide an incentive to people to donate to Mission House - and their office is offering a prize.

"Every new or used coat or five cans or more of food items dropped off at our office, gives you a shot at winning dinner for two and a limousine ride in an H2 Hummer," she said.

The Shinalts are donating the prizes.

"This will provide children in need with warm coats this year and help alleviate hunger in the area," Reagan said.

The office is located at 151 Hwy. 69 North, Ste. 1000 at Bullard Crossing.

Names will be taken when items are dropped off, and the drawing will be held in early December. There is no limit to items dropped off and the more you donate, the better chance of winning.

Mission House officially opened it doors with complete with a medical clinic, food pantry and clothes closet in 2006.

"Services are free to those at or below 100 percent of poverty. Others are charged according to a sliding scale based on ability to pay," said Hazel Mason, local volunteer.

Services include examinations, prescription drugs and some lab work.

The clinic is held in conjunction with St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Tyler.

"We are in the 'Shalom Zone' of St. Paul's church," organizer Hazel Mason explained. "A van from Tyler arrives on the day of the clinic. A doctor, two nurses and two bilingual clerks - and some equipment will be brought to the Mission House."

Many of the physicians taking part in the program are retired and live in the Tyler area.

The examination tables and other equipment stay at the site.

A few months ago, the Mission House moved to larger quarter on Phillips Street, next to city hall.

Bullard is just one of eight sites being serviced. The goal for Bullard is to examine and treat approximately 20 patients per visit.

"We hope to reach the people in the area who really need it," Mason said. "I know we had people in this area who can really benefit from this clinic. We'd like to work on a project in the future which provides dental services as well."

The focus of the medical clinic is on the chronic rather than acute conditions.

The food pantry and clothes closet will be open the same day and available to anyone in need.

To make an appointment or for more information call 903 595-6746.

For more information on the coat and food drive, call Reagan at 903-894-5003 or 903-316-4730.