Our Vision

"We envision a community that has food for today and hope for tomorrow through the mercy of Christ."Our programs are designed not just to meet immediate needs but to offer a sense of hope and renewal for the future. By addressing physical needs, we aim to create a foundation for lasting change and recovery.

Our Mission

"To empower struggling families to recover from crisis situations by providing access to basic needs through the grace and mercy of Christ."At Rusk Good Samaritan, we are dedicated to helping families in need by providing essential resources and support. Located in the heart of East Texas, our Good Samaritan Food Pantry and Thrift Store are key elements of our commitment. We believe in the transformative power of community, compassion, and faith.

Our Purpose

"To supply emergency, temporary help for those in the community who find themselves in need of food, clothing, or other physical needs."Rusk Good Samaritan has been a cornerstone of support in East Texas for 35 years. Our dedicated team of volunteers and staff work tirelessly to ensure that no one is left behind. Through community partnerships, donations, and the unwavering support of our volunteers, we continue to expand our reach and enhance our services. Each act of kindness contributes to a stronger, more resilient community.

How can YOU help?

There are many ways to get involved with Rusk Good Samaritan. You can:

Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Good Samaritan Food Pantry

No one in our community should have to worry about where their next meal will come from. The Good Samaritan Food Pantry is here to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food. Our pantry offers a wide variety of food items, including fresh produce, non-perishables, and other essentials. We serve individuals and families with dignity and respect, striving to make a positive impact on their lives.

Food Distribution
Food Box and Produce Distribution days are on the first and third Wednesdays of every month.Line up early along Sycamore Street! Starts at 8:30am

Thrift Store

Our Thrift Store is more than just a store; it’s a place where generosity meets need. By providing affordable clothing, household items, and other goods, we help families stretch their budgets further. Every purchase made at our Thrift Store supports our charitable programs, creating a cycle of giving that benefits the entire community. Whether you’re shopping or donating, you’re making a difference.

Thrift Store
Every Wednesday: 9:00am – 1:00pm

Jennifer Everett - President &
Food Director

Jennifer has faithfully served on the Good Samaritan Board since 2021 and has served as Board President since 2024. In addition to her leadership role, she also serves as Food Director, helping ensure families in the community receive the support they need. Passionate about giving back, Jennifer is actively involved with First Baptist Church, the Cherokee Civic Theatre and County Roads Rescue.
Jennifer and her husband, Mark, were married in 2005 and are blessed with two sons and a daughter. When she’s not serving her community, she enjoys shopping, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Brian Givens - Vice President

Brian holds a Master of Divinity and has been serving in ministry since 2003. Since August 2018, he has served as Pastor of First Baptist Church in Rusk, where he is committed to leading with faith, compassion, and a heart for community.
In addition to his pastoral role, Brian is actively involved in several community and ministry organizations. He has served as President of the Rusk Ministerial Alliance and continues to remain involved and is Vice President of Good Samaritan. He also serves as a trustee for Texas Baptist Hope for Children and contributes his time to various other boards and committees focused on strengthening communities and supporting families.
Outside of ministry and service, Brian enjoys working out and spending time repairing and improving his home.

Linda Jackson - Secretary

Linda has dedicated much of her career to public service, working 10 years as a Court Coordinator at Rusk State Hospital and 13 years with the Department of Family and Protective Services. She retired in 2020 after 27 years of state service and currently works as the Administrative Assistant to the Director of Psychology at Rusk State Hospital.
Linda has served as a board member with Good Samaritan for the past two years and as Secretary for one year, and she also represents Good Samaritan on the Rusk Chamber of Commerce Board. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, shopping at garage sales, and playing bingo.

Deniece Ingram - Treasurer

Deniece Ingram serves on the board, where she enjoys supporting the organization’s mission of providing resources, encouragement, and a helping hand to people in the community. She has more than 35 years of experience as a business owner, with a background in leadership, IT, and accounting, and has served as treasurer for Good Samaritan since 2024.
Deniece and her husband, Randy, have been active in mission work since 2005. Over the years they’ve taken short-term trips to places like Honduras, Hungary, Thailand, and Belize. They also spent two years serving with Mercy Ships and 10 months in Belize working with Samuel’s Sanctuary and The Country Barn. When opportunities arise, they still enjoy participating in short-term mission trips.
Since joining the board in 2024, Deniece has been especially passionate about the Senior Box program. She’s committed to helping the organization grow its impact and continue serving the community in meaningful ways.

Myra Ball

Myra is a graduate of Trinity Valley Community College and the proud owner of Myra K’s Family Salon, as a hairdresser and nail technologist. She previously served three years on the local Chamber of Commerce board.
Myra enjoys traveling, cooking, and playing the piano, and has a special interest in chasing and riding trains. Above all, she values spending time with her family and her grandchildren.

Carlton Crothers

Carlton K. Crothers is a mission-driven community and economic development leader who brings steady, hands-on board leadership to organizations serving rural families. Known for building trusted partnerships across local government, nonprofits, education, and business, he helps align people around a clear mission and practical solutions that strengthen quality of life.
Carlton pairs deep community commitment with strong business acumen and entrepreneurial experience—having led multi-million-dollar organizations, guided strategic planning and fundraising, supported small business growth, and delivered job-creating investment and community revitalization initiatives. As a board member, he is prepared, accountable, and solutions-oriented, focused on sound governance, sustainable operations, and expanding impact in the community it serves.

Ron Luce

Ron has faithfully served in ministry for more than twenty years, with experience in children’s, youth, adult, and prison ministries. In 2024, he became the Lead Teaching and Preaching Pastor for the Rusk Bible Church Plant after serving as Executive Pastor at Fellowship Bible Church in Jacksonville.
He earned his undergraduate degree from Baptist Missionary Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree from Dallas Theological Seminary.
Ron and his wife, Terri, have been married for forty years and are blessed with two children, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He enjoys spending time with family, riding motorcycles, and serving the community through the Rusk Ministerial Alliance, where he currently serves as Interim Vice President and Secretary.

Cinthia Quinalty

Cinthia holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Moncton in New Brunswick, Canada. She previously worked with Chase Card Services in Ottawa as a Team Ambassador, where she mentored team members and was recognized with the 2010 ORCCA Award for Outstanding Customer Service.
A stay-at-home mother of four and wife of a U.S. Army veteran, Cinthia is actively involved in her community. She serves as a board member for the Cherokee Civic Theatre, Secretary of the Rusk Band Boosters, a member of Friends of the Library, and a board member of Good Samaritan. She also volunteers at the Good Samaritan Thrift Store, managing the clothing department and assisting with weekly sales. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, puzzles, diamond painting, and reading mystery books. Cinthia believes deeply in serving others and is grateful for the opportunity to support and make a difference in her community.

Julio Torres

Julio is a United States Marine Corps combat veteran whose life has been defined by service. His time in the Marine Corps shaped his character, strengthened his resilience, and deepened his commitment to helping others. For over 13 years, Julio has continued that calling in his community, volunteering at food banks to support families in need. For the past four years, he has served with Good Samaritan, focusing on food distribution to ensure resources reach those who need them most. He also serves as a police chaplain, providing spiritual guidance, encouragement, and support to law enforcement officers and community members during times of crisis.
For Julio, service is not just something he does—it is who he is. Through military service, community outreach, and spiritual support, he remains dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Maria Torres

Maria Renteria Torres is a devoted wife, mother of three, and passionate community servant. Guided by faith, family, and service, she and her husband have spent over 13 years volunteering in ministry and local food banks. Maria has served with Good Samaritan for four years and is honored to join the board this year, continuing her commitment to supporting families and strengthening her community. Serving others is not just what she does—it’s a calling that shapes her family’s values and everyday life.

Lana Z - PR Director & Store Director

After building and selling a successful accounting practice through decades of hard work, dedication, and integrity, Lana chose to dedicate this season of her life to serving others and strengthening her community.
Since joining the board in 2021, she has faithfully served in several leadership roles, including Treasurer, Chairperson of multiple committees, and currently as PR Director and Store Director. Her passion for service, organizational leadership, and community outreach has helped support the mission of Good Samaritan and Lisa's Pantry.
Lana's faith is the foundation of her work and her life. Guided by a desire to love her neighbors, serve with humility, and recognize the value and dignity of every individual, she approaches leadership with both compassion and purpose.
"For Lana, service is not simply something she does—it is a calling she faithfully lives out each day."

Sterling Z

Sterling has faithfully served on the board since 2021, bringing years of dedication, leadership, and hands-on experience to the organization. Throughout his tenure, he has played an important role in the growth and development of the ministry, serving as Chairperson of both the New Building Committee and the Grounds & Facilities Committee.
With a background in home remodeling, Sterling offers valuable knowledge and practical insight that have helped support numerous projects and improvements over the years. His commitment to maintaining and enhancing the facilities reflects his servant’s heart and desire to create welcoming spaces for those the ministry serves.
Outside of his board responsibilities, Sterling has a passion for collecting Native American artifacts and enjoys exploring the history and stories behind them. He also loves music and spending time with his beloved pets.
Sterling has been married to his wife, Lana, since 2009. Together, they share a heart for serving their community and supporting the mission of Good Samaritan and Lisa’s Pantry. His steadfast dedication, leadership, and willingness to serve continue to make a lasting impact on the organization and the people it serves.

Send us a message!

Location

Rusk Good Samaritan
190 W. 2nd St.,
Rusk, TX 75785Mailing address:
P.O. Box 632
Rusk, TX 75785T: 903-683-2376Press below for directions:

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Hours

Thrift Store
Every Wednesday: 9:00am – 1:00pmFood Distribution
Food Box and Produce Distribution days are on the first and third Wednesdays of every month.Line up early along Sycamore Street! Starts at 8:30am