Instead of letting their theaters’ food go to waste, Santikos Entertainment set up a drive thru and served over 700 free meals to their employees and first responders. We publish this compassionate news roundup every Wednesday afternoon. 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!
Found in the Express-News, 26 March, 2020
Bexar County commissioner seeks donated plastic for COVID-19 face shields
The wish list includes 3-D print filament; PLA filament; PETG filament; nylon filament; ABS filament, clear 12-by-12-inch bins; and sections of clear thin plastic at least 12 inches long.
Seen on KENS 5, 24 March, 2020
‘It’s been amazing to see the community rise’: South Texas engineer starts 3-D-printing face shields for healthcare workers
She says the masks cost just a dollar to make.
Found in the Express-News, 26 March, 2020
San Antonio groups like Culinaria, Jason Dady, coming to the aid of laid-off restaurant, bar workers in food and beverage industry
“The industry is doing everything it can to help our own.”
Found in the Rivard Report, 25 March, 2020
As Supplies Dwindle, San Antonio Spirits Makers Turn Focus to Distilling Sanitizer
“It’s just a weird time so you’ve got to find weird solutions.”
Seen on KENS 5, 25 March, 2020
San Antonio police see 21% increase in family violence call volume compared to this time last year
“Domestic violence is a crime that thrives on secrecy. The community needs to be aware that although we are limiting our interactions with friends, families and neighbors we have to be mindful that these situations are occurring.”
Found in Texas Monthly, 26 March, 2020
Inside the Story of How H-E-B Planned for the Pandemic
“We describe ourselves as a purpose-driven company, and we’re at our best amid times of crisis. There’s a great sense among H-E-B partners that they’re doing what’s needed to take care of Texans, and that keeps the morale very high.”
Found in the Express-News, 25 March, 2020
‘This is the right thing to do’: San Antonio coffee shop owners deliver hundreds of meals to elderly
“For most, it may be the only meal they have that day and it’s like how are you going to be able to eat without us? So we have to do our part and keep helping.”
Seen on Kens 5, 31 March, 2020
Coffee shop owners go above and beyond to keep seniors from going hungry
Forced to put their business aside, Tatu and Emilie Herrera are now putting their neighbors first.
Found in the Express-News, 26 March, 2020
‘Heart and hearth’: San Antonians sparing goods to create sidewalk food pantries during pandemic
Residents who are able to spare pantry goods and toilet paper have stacked them on the tables for neighbors in need.
Found in the Current,k 26 March, 2020
San Antonio Botanical Garden Donating Veggies It Grows to Feed People During Coronavirus Crisis
The bounty from the Botanical Garden’s culinary garden includes kale, lettuce, cabbage, celery, leeks and kohlrabi.
Found in the Rivard Report, 27 March, 2020
Volunteers Fan Out to Deliver Meals to City’s Most Vulnerable
With the aid of staffers from Grace Place, an activity care center for people with Alzheimer’s disease, Meals on Wheels is daily calling all of its clients to check on their well-being.
Found in the Express-News, 27 March, 2020
Clack: From a distance, hold tight to one another
“But in, through and beyond this unprecedented time of separation, we must stay together. We need to stay together. We hold on tight to the strings of helium balloons when we’re not ready to let them go. Let’s hold on to each other so we don’t drift apart.”
Seen on FOX 29, 25 March, 2020
Rapier Family donates $1 million to feed nearly 6,000 older adults in Texas, Florida
“We all must do our part to keep food on the table and eliminate hunger.” San Antonio will receive $60,000 (12,000 meals.)
Found in the Rivard Report, 28 March, 2020
City, Advocates for the Homeless Prepare for Spread of Coronavirus
DHS is working with local support providers to set up at least four “homeless resource hubs” in San Antonio to provide food, hand sanitizer, and other supplies.
Found in the Express-news, 30 March, 2020
San Antonio homeless shelters struggle to balance needed services with preventing coronavirus outbreak in crowded facilities
“No member of our community is disposable,” Mayor Ron Nirenberg said, adding that the aim is to assist anyone who needs help — no matter their living situation.
Seen on KSAT 12, 29 March, 2020
H-E-B says it will donate 500,000 meals to food banks in San Antonio, across Texas
“H-E-B is working in tandem with Texas food banks to provide relief to some of our most vulnerable neighbors: children, seniors and low-income families.”
Vista en Univision 41, 30 de marzo 2020
HEB dona toneladas de comida a 13 bancos de alimentos en Texas [HEB Donates Tons of Food to 13 Texas Food Banks]
La distribución de alimentos donados supone un alivio para las comunidades vulnerables tales como niños, ancianos y familias de bajos ingresos. [The distribution of donated food is a relief to vulnerable communities such as children, the elderly, and low-income families.]
Seen on KENS 5, 29 March, 2020
H-E-B donating 500,000 meals to Texas food banks
“Together we will ensure no Texan goes hungry during this public health crisis.”
Seen on WOAI 4, 29 March, 2020
Local man offering free plants to ease stress for San Antonians during COVID-19 pandemic
Local resident John Bloodsworth said he’s been potting plants over the past week and decided Sunday he would give them away for free so others could experience the same therapeutic feeling he had.
Seen on Spectrum News, 27 March, 2020
San Antonio Bodega Brings Necessities to West Side Community
“Your families need you, your jobs need you, people need you out there, and right now is our time to be strong.”
Heard on Texas Public Radio, March 28, 2020
A San Antonio Effort To Avoid A Ventilator Shortage Has Grass Roots
Councilman Roberto Treviño said the emergency ventilator cost a couple hundred dollars in parts. It is made from acrylic, metal and 3D printed parts.
Found in the Express-News, 31 March, 2020
The U.S. doesn’t have enough ventilators to treat coronavirus patients. So a San Antonio City Councilman decided to build one
“It may not be perfect, but it’s better than just letting them die.”
Found in the Rivard Report, 30 March, 2020
Innovators Prepare for Shortages by Making Face Shields, Ventilators
“We’re using every bit of local talent and brain power we can to piece this together.”
Seen on KENS 5, 28 March, 2020
There’s never been a better time to grow your own food. This San Antonio garden wants to help you out.
“That’s how I’ve learned, through other people, and I wanted to make sure I continue that cycle, that kind of teaching.”
Heard on Texas Public Radio, 30 March, 2020
Haven For Hope In San Antonio Implements New Policies After Washington Post Article Sounds Alarms
“Because they’re already so vulnerable to respiratory infections, an outbreak of COVID-19 among people experiencing homelessness could really break the hospital system.”
Seen on WOAI 4, 30 March, 2020
Cornerstone Church to start serving 2,000 hot meals daily, delivery and drive-thru services
The church said it will also deliver food, drive people to medical appointments and grocery stores and also provide pastoral services.
Found in the Express-News, 30 March, 2020
When coronavirus evacuees arrived, Military City, USA, responded
Instead of harsh criticism and insensitive comments, San Antonians demonstrated remarkable compassion and concern for the evacuees.
Found in the Rivard Report, 31 March, 2020
Monte Vista Woman’s ‘Little Free Pantry’ Sparks Community Generosity
“I know a lot of people are going to be out of jobs. I know there’s going to be a lot of people in need.”
Found in the Current, 31 March, 2020
San Antonio-Based H-E-B Gives Grant to Texas Environmental Organization
This year, as a safety precaution during the COVID-19 pandemic, H-E-B decided to forego a coupon campaign & gave $190,000 directly to @EarthShareTexas.
Found on the Area Foundation Website, 30 March 2020
San Antonio Area Foundation, United Way of San Antonio & Bexar County and Multiple Partners Award First Grants from the COVID-19 Response Fund
New fund partners added to increase fund to over $2.8M.
Found in the Rivard Report, 30 March, 2020
Shutdown Heightens Hunger, Isolation Among San Antonio’s Low-Income Elderly
Sometimes, hunger is emotional, too, with seniors feeling cut off from others even before worries about contracting coronavirus changed the landscape of daily living. In fact, the national Meals on Wheels organization blames social isolation as a primary cause of chronic health conditions among the elderly.
Found in the Express-News, 27 March, 2020
Former Spurs player George Hill gives back to city’s frontline heroes during coronavirus pandemic
“They are working long hours, not being able to go out and get lunch … and this is just a way to say thank you for all they are doing.”
Found in the Express-News, 31 March, 2020
San Antonio’s Frost donates $2 million for coronavirus relief efforts
The nonprofits receiving donations are concentrated in health, human services, economic development and arts and culture.
Seen on Spectrum, 31 March, 2020
Seniors Stay Connected During Isolation Through Virtual Learning
“They can also use it to fight isolation so that they can stay connected to their families.”
Seen on KENS 5, 31 March, 2020
High school student helps San Antonio build coronavirus self-screening webpage
“To see my work with my family and their team…it really just makes me feel good that I have done something for the community.”
Seen on KENS 5, 1 April, 2020
Mission Park opens world’s first drive-in funeral theatre
The service concludes with three honks representing comfort, support and love before guests drive away.
