A Little About Who We Are

Diboll Christian Outreach began in 1989 under the umbrella of Lufkin’s Christian Information and Service Center (CISC) at the request of Arthur Temple Jr., president of Temple-Eastex.  Mr. Temple felt a strong need for the people of Diboll to have a food resource in Diboll and asked Mrs. An Sweeny to lead the formation of what became Diboll Christian Outreach.  DCO held its first organizational meeting in February 1991.  In 2007 DCO became an independent non-profit food and clothing resource for the citizens of Diboll and Diboll ISD.  The original Board of Directors consisted of An Sweeney, Kathy Rodgers, Rebecca Donahoe, and Isabel Hardy.  The Articles of Incorporation state that DCO funds are “exclusively for charitable, religious, literary, or educational purposes associated with establishing, maintaining, and operating a program to respond to the genuine physical, spiritual, material, and educational needs of persons, to work in cooperation with both public and private agencies servicing persons, to assist persons by screening, providing information and referrals to appropriate public and private agencies, and to provide emergency relief for people in distress”.  Located originally in Old Orchard Park’s Shepherd Scout House, the food bank moved to the Old Library at 109 North 1st Street in 1992, and finally to the H. G. Temple House, the former home of the Temple family, in 2008.  DCO joined the East Texas Food Bank in 2021.  

DCO serves 60 – 80 families living under the Federal Poverty Level.  Additionally we provide weekend food for 75 students at Diboll schools.  52% of those we serve are children under 18 years, 36% are adults 18 – 65 years, and 12% are seniors over 65 years old.  

Diboll Christian Outreach purchases food from the East Texas Food Bank, Brookshire Bros., and Sam’s Club.  We benefit from local food drives, especially those organized by school groups.  Residents of Diboll and Diboll ISD who are in need may receive services from DCO through the following programs.

Weekly food distribution:  Canned fruit and vegetables, starches, proteins, milk and bread area available every week on Thursday mornings.  Additional items such as cereal, coffee, tea, juices, baking goods and hygiene items area offered as choices at various times of the year.

Clothing and household goods:  Any of our clients may “shop” in our clothing room for clothes, shoes, toys, books, and household items.  There is no limit on what they may choose.  Items such as blankets, sheets, dishes, etc. are available for clients with emergency needs.  Donations from the local community furnish this room.

Backpack Buddies:  Diboll ISD counselors identify the students in need of weekend food.  DCO packs and delivers the food to the counselors each Thursday.  The students receive the food on Fridays.

Monetary needs:  Limited funds are available for helping clients with rent, utilities, and medical needs.  Gas money for doctor appointments is also available.  Church and individual donations help meet this service.