Carol McDowell believed that food was more than nourishment — it was a way to bring people together, show love, and make people feel seen and cared for. This summer, her legacy of kindness will continue through the children served by Frisco Family Services’ Summer Lunch Program.
The Frisco Family Services staff are preparing to launch our Summer Lunch Program very soon. Thousands of nutritious meals will be provided to kids right here in our community, who rely on free and reduced-price lunches during the school year. For many children, summer can mean not knowing where their next meal will come from. This program helps bridge that gap, ensuring children continue to receive the nourishment and care they need when school is out.
Recently, the agency received a heartfelt gift from Dennis McDowell in memory of his wife, Carol, who passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. His daughter, Lori Cunningham shared, “My father hopes that the donation honors Mom’s lifelong passion for serving others and creating community through food.”
In 2007, Dennis and Carol relocated from California to Texas to be closer to family. Soon after, Carol became involved with the Frisco Family Services Market through her community at Frisco Lakes.
Lori adds, “Volunteering quickly became one of my mother’s greatest joys. She loved building relationships with fellow volunteers and the individuals who visited the Frisco Family Services Market, often brightening someone’s day with laughter, kindness, or one of her homemade baked treats.”
For Carol, volunteering was never simply about providing food — it was about making people feel valued, understood, and loved. Even as cancer began to affect her strength and mobility, she deeply missed being able to serve others and connect with her community in meaningful ways.
Dennis chose to direct his memorial gift to the Summer Lunch Program because it reflects everything Carol cared about most. Sharing home-cooked meals, welcoming others, and making sure no one felt forgotten were central to who she was. Supporting children through the Summer Lunch Program is a meaningful continuation of her generous spirit and compassionate heart.
Will you join the McDowell family and help ensure that no child goes hungry this summer? Each meal offers more than nutrition – it provides comfort and reassures families going through tough times, that they matter.
