Marshall HS freshman Zochitl made and donated 22 face masks for NISD workers. We publish this compassionate news roundup every Wednesday. If you want to get the news sooner, follow us on Twitter @compassionNET1. And don’t forget to use the hashtag #compassionateSA so we can find YOUR compassionate acts!
Seen on KENS 5, 1 April, 2020
Shoppers urged to forgo certain products to give WIC recipients a chance to buy groceries
“We just need to take care of one another. We need to look out for one another, especially parents of small children, single moms.”
Found on KENS 5, 1 April, 2020
Funeral home adapts to coronavirus
Porter Loring Mortuaries lets people attend funeral in spirit, by sending photos that will be placed on pews.
Seen on WOAI 4, 2 April, 2020
San Antonio to observe moment of silence in honor of COVID-19 victims
Mayor Ron Nirenberg is asking all San Antonians to pause and reflect for one minute beginning at 9:20 a.m.; the bell at San Fernando Cathedral will also toll for one minute.
Found in the Express-News, 31 March, 2020
As COVID-19 spreads, food insecurity surges
Let’s remember, even during the best of economic times, thousands of children and senior citizens go to bed hungry in our community.
Found in UTSA Today, 2 April, 2020
UTSA Students explore issue of community compassion during pandemic
The students are hosting a series of virtual conversations to allow community members an hour to connect, reflect on our experiences during this public health crisis, and consider what compassion means to us as a community in a time of social distance.
Found in the Express-News, 2 April, 2020
San Antonio seeks to piece together coronavirus ‘safety net’ for homeless population
“We’ve all committed to the fact that we want to use the vast majority of $11M additional federal dollars to keep people in their homes, because it is way to late once they become homeless.”
Found in the Express-News, 2 April, 2020
With doors closed, Boys & Girls Clubs still reaching out
“Club on the Go” care packages, which include not only healthy snacks but also do-it-yourself projects, games, and essentials such as toilet paper and shampoo. 776 families have received packages so far.
Found in the Express-News, 1 April, 2020
San Antonio area ISDs donate medical supplies to local hospitals
“With our school buildings closed right now, we realize that the immediate need is to help the health care workers in our hospitals.”
Found in the Express-News, 3 April, 2020
To stay sober during the coronavirus pandemic, members of 12-Step groups move online
AA’s website — www.aasanantonio.org — lists meetings that have closed and provides a link to all local meetings that have moved online.
Seen on WOAI 4, 2 April, 2020
New rent relief program aimed at people who lost jobs to COVID-19
People who qualify will get 75 percent of their April rent paid by the city. The remaining 25 percent will be forgiven by landlords.
Found in the Current, 4 April, 2020
San Antonio Landlords Asked to Forgive 25% of Rent for Certain Tenants Impacted by Coronavirus Outbreak
Before March, the city’s program received 56 inquiries per week on average. Last week, the program received more than 2,000 inquiries.
Seen on WOAI 4, 3 April, 2020
Valero announces massive production of hand sanitizer to assist in fight against COVID-19
Valero’s ethanol operations began its bulk production of Hand Sanitizer Friday, to help fill out the supply shortages health care organizations as well as first responders are facing amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Seen on WOAI 4, 3 April, 2020
Periods SATX helping women in need, offering supplies to those financially struggling
They have about 700 products right now, and have more on the way. You don’t need to apply or qualify.
Found in the Rivard Report, 3 April, 2020
YMCA Stands Up Emergency Child Care for Essential Workers
It has set up emergency care sites across the city, including at @MorgansWndrlnd and Journey Fellowship Church. It has capacity for 200 school-aged and 75 younger children.
Found in the Express-News, 3 April, 2020
S.A. Food Bank giveaway draws a queue of cars stretching miles
“It just shows the suffering in the community, the hurt and the fear.”
Found in the Express-News, 4 April, 2020
Homeless ministry serving meals at city parks, at least for now
Corazon has pivoted to distributing meals at four downtown city parks — Milam, Maverick, Madison Square and Columbus. “We’re getting people we normally don’t feed.”
Found on NOWCastSA, 4 April, 2020
The Helpers: Fashion Designer Sews Stylish Masks to Help Protect Against Coronavirus
“This is the perfect opportunity to put that surplus of fabrics to good use, and to do something to help my community stay safe.”
Found in the Express-News, 4 April, 2020
Mental-health court adopts reforms in a time of crisis
The coronavirus crisis brought a sense of urgency when it came to county operations that were “three generations behind in technology.”
Found in the Rivard Report, 4 April, 2020
Toro and Other Local Restaurants Give Back to Laid-Off Workers
The meal of chicken and rice paella, beans and spicy chorizo, bread, and a chocolate panna cotta for dessert, came together after Toro’s owners and staff posted a video of themselves dancing to the 2008 song, “We’re All in This Together.”
Found in the Current, 4 April, 2020
32 Ways San Antonians Are Kicking Ass During the Coronavirus Pandemic
#17: Valero gifted 10,000 fuel cards to organizations that rely on transportation to provide their services.
Found on NOWCastSA, 4 April, 2020
The Helpers: How San Antonio is Meeting the Coronavirus Call to Action
Nonprofits, individuals, schools, businesses and grassroots groups are doing their part in the battle to slow the spread of coronavirus, especially when it comes to helping the more vulnerable members of the community.
Found in the Express-News, 4 April, 2020
The lives we are saving by staying home
We are again reminded that even our smallest actions and choices matter, rippling across our community and changing the lives of others.
Seen on FOX 29, 6 April, 2020
Local non profit handing out hundreds of meal kits, medical masks
“We all have to work together. We’re all in this together.”
Seen on KSAT 12, 7 April, 2020
San Antonio-based prison ministry launches letter-writing campaign to inmates
Letters from Kolbe Prison Ministries aim to help provide comfort to offenders during COVID-19 pandemic.
Seen on WOAI 4, 7 April, 2020
San Antonio Food Bank calling on community to fast, pray, donate on Good Friday
“We are often saying we need 4 things to run our business: food, time, money, and voice. And this gift of voice to us can definitely be the gift of prayer.”
Found in the Rivard Report, 7 April, 2020
Patti Radle Doesn’t Want to Get Back to ‘Normal’
“I hear people say they’re so eager to come back to normal. I say I hope we get back to better.”
Found in the Express-News, 7 April, 2020
Quiet downtown San Antonio sprinkled with ‘Sí Se Puede’ signs of encouragement thanks to this woman
“I just wanted to fill the air with hope. I decided if I made of bunch of signs and put them up around the city, it would bring a few smiles and remind us that we’re in this together and not to lose faith,
Found in the Rivard Report, 7 April, 2020
City Will Use Hotel to Shelter Vulnerable Homeless Population
“There’s no reason why we should have folks in this situation – on the street – when we’ve got thousands of empty hotel rooms.”
Seen on KSAT 12, 7 April, 2020
Campaign promotes ‘Heartshakes’ as safer alternative to fist, elbow bumps
traditional “besos” and “abrazos” these days puts the Latino community at higher risk than other communities. As a safer alternative, there’s the “heartshake,” simply tapping the heart twice with the right hand.
Found in the Express-News, 8 April, 2020
Chow Train rides in to provide COVID-19 relief
In a span of two weeks, Cheever and her four-person crew have cooked 17,720 meals for the elderly, disabled and homeless in San Antonio and surrounding areas.
Found in the Express-News, 7 April, 2020
Pandemic shows why city’s utilities need to restructure rates
Clean water is essential to human health. No public water utility should ever shut off water for families who cannot afford to pay the bills.
Heard on Texas Public radio, 8 April, 2020
‘An Immediate Need’: San Antonio Nonprofit Sews Masks For Military, Veterans
Service members, civilians, contractors & family members on DoD property now must wear cloth masks if they can’t keep a 6-foot social distance from others.
Seen on KSAT 12, 8 April, 2020
San Antonio Food Bank needs 100 volunteers for mega distribution event Thursday
The Food Bank is planning on feeding 5,000 individuals with groceries Thursday at Trader’s Village at 10 a.m. 100 volunteers are still needed for this mega distribution.
