Our Mission and Vision

The Swan Food Pantry is a dedicated nonprofit committed to alleviating hunger in the Swan and surrounding community. We are proud to operate as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, ensuring transparency and maximizing the impact of every donation. We provide food security to our community, serving those in need with compassion at no cost.

green and white labeled plastic bottle on brown wooden shelf
green and white labeled plastic bottle on brown wooden shelf
Swan Food Pantry is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
• Executive Leadership

Meet Our Senior Operations & Governance Team

Dedicated leaders directing daily food distribution, donor governance, community partnerships, and long-term food security for families across Swan.

Michael Close

Tracey Wright

Executive Director | COO

Asst. Director of Operations

Michael is a dedicated family man, a proud father, brother, and uncle, He relocated to Swan after living in the Pacific Northwest and Las Vegas.

Growing up in a low-income single-parent household, he intimately understands the vulnerability of standing in line at a food pantry. Those childhood memories of walking alongside his mother and seeing the impact of community support are the heartbeat behind his unwavering dedication to helping children, adults, and seniors today.

In October 2024, Michael joined the Swan Food Pantry as Operations Director and COO board member, bringing extensive experience from scaling his home church's pantry in Las Vegas from 125 to over 1,600 weekly guests during the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership background also includes establishing key ministry partnerships and hands-on street outreach providing food, clothing, and worship opportunities for the unhoused.

Michael lead the transition in 2025 to obtain the independent 501(c)(3) status, and spearheading a vision for a new facility featuring a grocery-store-style shopping experience and community kitchen spaces.

Before his career in ministry operations, Michael earned a degree in Integrated Network Technology from the University of Phoenix in 2014. He applied his technical expertise across high-level IT contracts for casinos, large enterprises, and data storage centers, blending strong technical acumen with his community leadership.

See more about Michael Close

A proud mother, wife, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate for family and community; Tracey is passionate about helping others grow, learn, and become empowered. She is the proud mother of one daughter and has also had the privilege of raising two nephews,experiencesthat have strengthened her commitment to family, mentorship, and making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Married for more than 24 years, Tracey values the foundation of family, love, loyalty, and service. As an entrepreneur and business owner, she brings determination, leadership, and a strong desire to share her knowledge with others. She believes that knowledgeismost powerful when it is shared and used to help others succeed.

Tracey is also deeply passionate about volunteering and civil service. She is a state-licensed firearms instructor, certified tax preparer, and notary public, reflecting her commitment to education, responsibility, and serving her community in multiple ways.

Above all, Tracey is family-oriented, compassionate, and dedicated to empowering those around her. Whether through business, education, community service, or simply lending a helping hand, she strives to leave people better equipped, more confident, and inspiredtopursue their own potential. And when she's not working or serving others, she enjoys spending time with her family, motorcylce riding, and loving on animals.

Jeremiah Dollgener

Casandra Starks

VOLUNTEER CORDINATOR

The Swan pantry was founded in January 2019 by Jeremiah and Jessica Dollgener, who were inspired by a calling to address hunger in their community.

After meeting with a local supporter who offered financial backing, they began serving families in need.

Starting with 15 families, the pantry has grown significantly, now serving over 400 families each week.

The ministry is a vital resource, as the founders are excited about its continued impact trough god's guidance.

See more about jeremiah dollGener

Cassandra is a devoted mother of four biological children and a loving grandmother, celebrated for her compassionate heart and unwavering faith. Married for over 40 years, she has opened her home to foster children and has embraced the role of adoptive mother, embodying the spirit of love and nurturing.

As a prominent community leader, Cassandra has dedicated her life to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, inspiring countless individuals to embrace faith and love. Her commitment to service and encouragement reflects her deep belief in the transformative power of love and spirituality, making her a cherished figure in her community.

Executive Director | CEO

• Governance & Oversight

Board of Directors

Guiding the strategic vision and financial stewardship of Swan Food Pantry to ensure long-term food security and sustainable community support.

Executive Director | CEO

Vice Chair

Treasurer

Jeremiah Dollgener

Dr. Frank Starks III

Della Maurine Jackon

The Swan pantry was founded in January 2019 by Jeremiah and Jessica Dollgener, who were inspired by a calling to address hunger in their community.

After meeting with a local supporter who offered financial backing, they began serving families in need.

Starting with 15 families, the pantry has grown significantly, now serving over 400 families each week.

The ministry is a vital resource, as the founders are excited about its continued impact trough god's guidance.

See more about jeremiah dollGener

Originating from Compton, CA, Pastor Frank Starks III is one of nine children and one of three brothers ordained to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Known for his disarming sense of humor and wit, Frank has served as the MC for numerous conferences and events. A lover of music and dancing, he worked as a community disc jockey in the early 1980s. His service in the United States Navy took him around the world.

Pastor Starks continues to mentor youth and young adult men and played a key role in the development of the renowned BMX Bike Park in Compton, CA, a facility built to benefit underprivileged teens. Alongside his wife of over 30 years, Cassandra, he co-founded Heirs Outreach Ministries, Rekindling the Flame of Romance (a marriage ministry), and In Him Global Media, home of KCWG The Truth online radio. As the host of the impactful show "Praising with the Pastor," Frank can be heard sharing his insights on the airwaves.

He and Cassandra also serve as marriage mentors, advocating for strong family relationships.

Aris oversees audit compliance and fiscal accountability, ensuring public donations directly fuel pantry programs with complete transparency.

Secretary

Board Member

Pablo Rodriguez

Buford Bolden

Pablo Rodriguez has been a devoted Pantry Supporter since 2019, and serving the church family faithfully for seven years. His heart for service began in the food pantry, where he spent almost three years picking up food before stepping into a leadership role as a member of the food pantry committee.

Beyond his work with the pantry, Pablo is deeply involved in the daily life and leadership of the church. He serves in the maintenance ministry helping care for the church building, sits on both the church council and the finance committee, and contributes to the usher ministry and the church security team. An active teacher of God's Word, he leads Bible studies in English and formerly in Spanish. Currently, Pablo is continuing his theological studies as he journeys toward becoming a deacon at FBC Swan.

Buford Bolden, a dedicated deacon and Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church in Swan, has shared 40 wonderful years of marriage with his wife, Sonya.

Development Chair

Cindy Schneider

Family is at the very heart of everything I do. As a dedicated wife and a proud mother of three, I have spent my life nurturing those I love and building a warm, supportive home. After a rewarding, decades-long career, I officially retired from AT&T in 2018, stepping into this vibrant new chapter with the same passion and dedication I brought to my professional life.

My faith and my deep commitment to God guide my daily steps, driving a lifelong calling to serve others and strengthen the commUNITY around us. Whether lending a helping hand to a neighbor or rolling up my sleeves at the pantry, I am always ready to step in where the need is greatest. Working hand-in-hand with our mission to alleviate hunger in Swan and the surrounding communities is more than just volunteering—it is a true labor of love and a blessing to be part of something so meaningful.

Driven by his deep faith and the belief that "we enjoy feeding people like God told us to do," he has selflessly volunteered five days a week picking up food for the pantry since its very first day. Today, in his retirement, Buford happily fills his days fulfilling God's will through pantry service and treasuring time with his family and friends.

I have been a member of the church for around 30 years, been Secretary about 26 years. I have organize church fellowships and helped with VBS for many years. Was the head of the older Swan ladies fellowship for 15 plus years. I have been involved with the Food Pantry from the very beginning. I enjoy working with all the volunteers and helping people who are in need.

Partnering with Swan

Each year, billions of pounds of safe food and grocery products are thrown away in restaurants and catering facilities, and pulled from the shelves of retail stores.

More East Texans than ever before are trapped in a cycle of poverty. Of the households we serve, 27% of the members are young adults. 70% of our clients are choosing between paying their rent and buying food.

Your business can help by donating items you may normally discard - including dented cans, surplus inventory or unspoiled leftovers. Donating to Swan Food Pantry can save your business real dollars. Plus, it’s convenient and safe.

What to Donate

Swan Food Pantry accepts anything from cases to truckloads of food and non-food items that include:

  • Dry-stored (nonperishable), perishable, refrigerated and frozen

  • Fruits and vegetables, meat products, bakery items and prepared foods

  • Raw ingredients, bulk products (grade outs), salvage product, reclamation products and unsellables

  • Personal care, health and beauty items, household cleaning and paper products

  • Surplus and bulk inventory, unlabeled or mislabeled items, discontinued items and private-label brands

Produce Donations

  • Surplus produce: If you find yourself with extra vegetables or fruit that you are unable to sell or won’t be able to use, we ask that you consider donating them.

  • Less-than-perfect produce: Donate less-than-ideal food that is still perfectly edible to our neighbors in need.

  • Land: Dedicate extra land to grow fresh food for food banks.

Wish List Donations

  • Reefer truck, also known as a refrigerated truck, is a truck or van that transports perishable goods at specific temperatures. Reefer trucks are used to transport goods like frozen food, fresh produce, and other temperature-sensitive items.

  • Commercial fridge and freezers to store products.

  • Monetary donations for operations.

Donation Facts

  • No donation is too small.

  • No donation is too large. We accept bulk shipments and will also pick up from your location.

  • We accept fresh produce.

  • With our distribution network we can respond quickly to capture your donation.

  • Donations made in good faith are protected from liability on June 10, 1981 the Texas State Legislature passed legislation, commonly referred to as the Good Faith Donor Act to address liability for damages resulting from the condition of donated items.

Of all the hard decisions you make in your business, partnering with Second Harvest as a food donor is one that feels good and gives back.

For more information, please contact
Jeremiah Dollgener , Administration Director Phone: 903.705.9170 Email: jeremiahdollgener@swanfoodpantry.org

Our Location

Serving the local community with food security and assistance, we strive to meet both physical and spiritual needs of those in need.

Address

11364 US Hwy 69 N, Tyler, TX 75706

Hours

Tuesday 12-6PM

Make A Donation

Contact

Pantry News subscribe today

contact@swanfoodpantry.org

© 2026 Swan Food Pantry

903.705.9170

© 2026 Swan Food Pantry, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization