There’s an old saying that rings true in small towns acrossAmerica:“Neverforget where you came from.” One Marshall County native is provingthatadagetobemore than justwords,with agenerous act that’s already making a big difference for struggling families in her hometown.
Linda Owens, a 1980 graduate of Madill High School, donated over four semi-truck loads of high-end boutique goods to HOPE for Marshall County, turning what could have been a profit-making venture into a lifeline for those in need. Owens, who grew up in a humble home during the 1960s and ’70s, said she never forgot the values that shaped her, neighbors helping neighbors, communities lifting each other up, and the power of hope.
After leaving Madill, Owens moved to Texas, earned her degree and built a successful career in real estate and mortgage lending. She now works with Highland Residential Mortgage, one of the top real estate firms in the state.
Yet, despite her professional success, home was never far from her heart. Originally planning to open a high-end consignment boutique, Owens said she had a change of heart.
Instead, she decided to donate all of the merchandise, clothing, hats, belts, shoes, furniture and more, to a nonprofit she holds close; HFMC, operated by her longtime friend and classmate Gwen Wilson.
“Times are tough everywhere,” Owens said. “Donations are down, programs are being cut, and families are struggling. I knew I wanted to do something that could really help here in Madill, where it all started for me.”
With the help of attorneys and CPAs to handle the paperwork, the first semi-truck rolled in packed with quality name-brand items. HFMC quickly set up a storefront in Madill, and volunteers, many working 10 to 12-hour days, helped transform the space into a pop-up fundraising shop.
The fundraiser is open every Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering items at prices well below wholesale, closer to garage sale pricing, so every dollar raised can go directly toward food, utilities, Christmas assistance, hygiene products and more for Marshall County residents.
Wilson gushed about Owens’ generosity and pure heart.
“Linda has a heart of gold,” said Wilson. “Her generosity has already made a massive difference in the lives of so many. We truly can’t thank her and her husband Ray enough for what they’ve done.”
The donations will continue monthly until all semis are unloaded. Each week brings new items and new chances for local families to benefit. Wilson compared Owens to hope because of her generosity.
“Linda is the true meaning of the word hope,” Wilson said. “Because of her love for her hometown, together we are making a difference.”
Forthosewhowanttoshop or support, visit the pop-up fundraiser at 505 North 1st Street in Madill and see how one woman’s generosity is transforming lives, one sale at a time.