SAN BENITO — Tonight is spirit night.
Between the hours of 5 and 8 p.m. you can stop by the Chick-fil-A in Harlingen on 1814 S. Business 77 Sunshine Strip and purchase a chicken sandwich for a good cause.
This evening, when you purchase food at that specific location, a portion of the purchase will be donated to La Posada Providencia in San Benito.
All you have to do is come in and present a flier or an electronic version of the flier at the time of purchase.
Like most nonprofits, La Posada’s bulk of funding comes from events like these.
This year, shelter officials budgeted for an extra $20,000 and are trying to meet that goal through various fundraising activities.
Proceeds from the event will go toward the operation of the shelter, keeping the lights and the water running, said La Posada Development Coordinator Alma Rock.
La Posada Providencia, founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Divine Providence, is a ministry for people in crisis from around the world, who are seeking legal refuge in this country.
The shelter staff provides a safe and welcoming home, mentors to promote self-sufficiency and cultural integration, and imparts values “which witness God’s Providence in our world.”
“La Posada never stops working for the benefit of the hundreds of men, women and children who come through our doors every year,” Rock said.
“We are constantly looking for ways to improve our services and infrastructure. We never know when an influx in clients will occur, so we must always be prepared to serve.”
La Posada grows in numbers every year. “Every year we serve more people and grow so much,” said Rock.
Just this summer, the shelter provided services to 199 people from July 1 to Sept. 30.
Rock said La Posada is well on its way to doubling the number of people served from the previous year.
All of the shelter’s clients are referred by the U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement or local immigration attorneys.
They are in the legal process of seeking asylum, residency or some other legal alternative.
While they wait for their cases to advance through the court system, most of these individuals have no place to go and arrive at La Posada’s doorstep with nothing.
Staff members ensure they receive the necessary legal aid, health care, social services and other relocation assistance.
Rock said shelter staff and board members will be present during spirit night giving thanks and answering any questions the public might have about La Posada.
Learn more about La Posada and schedule a visit, Rock said.
