Linda Wall, resident of Howe for 45 years, is no stranger to “giving back” to her community. As one of the original members of the Howe Band Boosters, a longtime PTA member, a Library Board member for two decades, a member of the Howe Historical Society and an active member of the First United Methodist Church, Linda has not only raised three children in this town, but she has made it a better place for all who call Howe “home.”
As one who considers Howe to be an integral part of who she is, she is always looking for ways to help others. Jackie Patton, founder of Peggy’s Porch interdenominational clothes closet here in Howe, calls Linda her “secret weapon.” Over the past few weeks, Peggy’s Porch has impacted the lives of 150 local families by providing free back to school clothes, shoes and accessories to those who need them. Without Linda’s hard work and dedication, this would not have been possible.
After her husband passed away, Linda says she “felt lost and needed something to do.” Peggy Richardson, a Howe resident from 2000-2013 for whom Peggy’s Porch is named, meant a lot to Linda before her passing in 2013. She says that “she loved her dearly and Peggy was such a special friend to her.” When Linda works at Peggy’s Porch, she says that it is calming and relaxing to her and that she feels God’s presence and Peggy’s presence around her. She says that she was drawn to this ministry to her community because of the positive impact it has on her life…as well as the positive impact it has on the lives of others.
When asked about the ministry of Peggy’s Porch to our neighbors, she said that two stories came to mind. She tells of one day when an older woman and her 40-year old daughter stopped by. They appeared to be ashamed to come in…but they needed clothing. The daughter asked Linda, “Can I give you a hug?” She put her head on Linda’s shoulder and said, “You don’t know how much this means to me; these are the first new clothes I have had in three years!”
On another occasion, a mother with three daughters and one son came in. They offered assistance to the son and he told them what size jeans he needed. When they located his size, he was overheard saying to his mom, “Now I have two pair of jeans so you don’t have to wash my jeans every night.”
Making a difference. That’s Linda. Her dedication and hours of tireless labor sorting, folding, stacking arranging and storing clothes day after day truly makes a difference for the residents of our community. But, Linda does not like the spotlight. She points to people like Norma Wallace and Peggy Richardson and so many others whom she admires…who have done…or would have done…what she is doing. When given the opportunity, she selflessly focuses on the needs of Peggy’s Porch and the needs of our community. She tells us that donations of gently-worn or new clothes, shoes, accessories and athletic wear are always welcome; however, the building has some repair needs and regular volunteers are needed. She would like to have enough volunteers for Peggy’s Porch to be open every Saturday and one afternoon during the week.
What would Linda say to a potential Peggy’s Porch volunteer? “It can be hard work, but it is so rewarding and fun. You get to meet new people and see people you have not seen in awhile. You will feel really good once you have been up there spending time and helping others.” She concludes, “Peggy’s Porch is an awesome place—it makes a difference for those who volunteer…and for those who are blessed by free clothes and by God’s mercy and love.”
Peggy’s Porch has been the beneficiary of the generosity of the City of Howe and has partnered with many churches in our community, Howe ISD, the Chamber of Commerce, the Boy Scouts and many local businesses and residents. It is located directly behind Howe City Hall and is open on the second and fourth Saturdays each month from 9 am – 11 am. To donate or volunteer, please call Jackie Patton at 903.771.6066 or Mary Martha Stewart at 903.814.9994. Remember to follow/like Peggy’s Porch on Facebook. And when you see Linda Wall around town, please say thank you for her devoted service to Peggy’s Porch and to the City and residents of Howe.