Nobody should have to face empty cupboards or empty shelves inside their kitchens at their homes, especially the men and women who over a span of decades have fought in wars to help keep America safe.
But sadly, this is happening inside the homes of our veterans and a local veteran’s group is hoping to change this.
The South Texas Afghanistan Iraq Veterans Association will hold a food drive from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday and will be collecting everything from canned goods, pet food, diapers, peanut butter and loaves of bread that will be placed inside its food pantry or closet for those veterans in need, said Laura Serna Marquez, director of publications for the STAIVA.
“We welcome all eras, all veterans and their families… We have Vietnam, WWII we have everybody coming in and asking for assistance. We cater completely to veterans and their families.” Vasquez said.
The organization will also allow curbside donations for those individuals who don’t want to get out of their vehicles.
STAIVA is located at 519 E. Madison St., across the street from the old city cemetery.
This is the first time STAIVA is holding a food drive and although Marquez does not what the turnout will be, she hopes the public will support the endeavor. “The community has always been very conscious and very helpful and supportive to our veterans.”
“With COVID and grants running out we haven’t been able to have it (pantry) stocked up at the moment that’s why we are doing the food drive,” Marquez said.
Many of those veterans visiting the food pantry have either suffered job losses or are having to take care of a love one in need at home. “One hundred dollars in food stamps doesn’t cover” some of the items that the veterans need, she said.
Non-perishable food items sought include tuna fish, peanut butter and jelly, bread, spam and meats. Toilet paper, razors, tooth pastes, deodorants and feminine products are also needed as well.
Marquez says she usually tells people wanting to donate items to “think of a meal. If you are going to eat spaghetti, you need the sauce, the garlic bread the parmesan cheese…think of a complete meal to provide to a family.”
STAIVA’s mission statement reads: “The South Texas Afghanistan Iraq Veterans Association is a non-profit organization which helps ease the transition for military members of all branches and their families from military to civilian life. Our goal is to help, advocate, educate, assist veterans to any needed resources, funding, medical care and emotional support.”
For more information, call STAIVA at (956) 266-7521 or (956) 435-9922.
