Each December, @ThisIsCovenant hosts a cookie party for the children of Haven for Hope. The event features arts and crafts, games, balloon animals and of course lots of cookies! And pictured below, Last Friday, the San Antonio Rampage ice hockey team donated 36 bags of stuffed animals and teddy bears from their annual Teddy Bear Toss to Bexar County foster children. And even below that, the Clark HS Key Club helped with a Children’s Shelter Party at the DoSeum.
Every Wednesday we feature our compassionate news roundup. If you want to get the news faster, follow us on Twitter, @compassionNET1. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #compassionateSA if you want us to find YOUR compassionate acts!
Found in the Rivard Report, 12 December, 2018
San Antonio’s United Way Campaign Exceeds 2018 Goal by $5M
“Working together, we are able to harness the collective capacity of personal giving … to make a huge impact in our community.”
Seen on KSAT 12, 12 December, 2018
United Way exceeds goal, raises over $46 million for community
Last year, the money helped about 600,000 people in Bexar County.
Found in the Rivard Report, 12 December, 2018
Going Global: Raba Kistner, Engineer of SA’s Most Transformative Projects, Bought by Aussie Firm
To mark the company’s 50th year, Raba Kistner is participating in 500 charitable activities in the communities where it has offices.
Seen on KENS 5, 12 December, 2018
Delicious Tamales offering flavor and second chances
“If they are willing to work. I don’t care if they’ve had any type of infractions in the past. To me, it’s like ‘who am I to judge?’”
Seen on KENS 5, 12 December, 2018
A one-man initiative putting a dent in homelessness
“We all need a hand up at some point in our lives. It might be emotional, spiritual or financial.”
Found in the Express-news, 12 December, 2018
Thousands of autistic adults in Bexar County go without services
The report characterizes the services and care for adults in the San Antonio area with autism as “less a system than a spotty patchwork of specialized organizations that offer very different types of services.”
Seen on SPECTRUM News, 12 December, 2018
Adult Autism Study Highlights Need for Care and Access
Nearly 22,000 adults in Bexar County live with autism and intellectual disabilities; 90 percent of those people not receiving coordinated care. Directors say it’s the first known study of its kind in the United States, and they hope it serves as a launching point for community action.
Found in the Rivard report, 13 December, 2018
Baptist Health Foundation Continues Grant Legacy, Gives $7.2M to Area Nonprofits
The list of award recipients includes the Hemisfair Conservancy, San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind and Vision Impaired, SAMMinistries, Haven for Hope, more than a dozen colleges, and the Mayor’s Fitness Council.
Found in the Express-News, 14 December, 2018
UIW holds vigil calling for end to gun violence
“The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word “were founded because people were suffering. And people are suffering from gun violence now.”
Visto en Telemundo 69, 14 de diciembre de 2018
UIW realiza una vigilia contra la violencia con armas de fuego
Los estudiantes expresaron su preocupación por los tiroteos masivos que tienen lugar en los Estados Unidos cada año.
Found in the Express-News, 15 December, 2018
Taking the fear out of veterinarian visits for pets
Fear Free Pets offers training for pet parents, veterinary professionals & others in the pet professional community, like groomers and trainers, to learn how to recognize and remove triggers that stress pets.
Found in the Express-News, 14 December, 2018
More San Antonio ISD grads getting to elite colleges — but that’s the easy part
“Any one single program can’t be a magic bullet for facing societal schisms. It has to be a continued dialogue. It also has to be a shared responsibility.”
Seen on KSAT 12, 14 December, 2018
City of SA delivers toys to Toys for Tots program
In commemoration of the Tricentennial celebration, the city donated $10,000, and $5,000 more in a partnership with Walmart.
Visto en KWEX 49, 15 de diciembre de 2018
Más de 11,000 niños de San Antonio recibirán un regalo de Navidad gracias a ‘Toys for Tots’ [More than 11,000 children from San Antonio will receive a Christmas gift thanks to ‘Toys for Tots’]
Durante los próximos tres días se repartirán regalos en este evento en el que familias de veteranos y militares se registran para beneficiarse. [During the next three days gifts will be distributed in this event in which families of veterans and military register to benefit.]
Heard on Texas Public Radio, 13 December, 2018
Empathy Is Essential To Effective Discipline
Instead of effectively teaching lessons on responsibility or self-control, actions like yelling and other forms of corporal punishment can increase aggression in children.
Seen on KENS 5, 14 December, 2018
Police officers to host signing Santa event for deaf children
On Saturday, the signing Santa will be at Community Bible Church to take wish lists from all kids during a holiday festival from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Seen on KSAT 12, 14 December, 2018
Santa program brings gifts, joy to lonely senior citizens
“Our little gift … is making a huge impact on that senior’s life. “It’s letting them know someone still cares.”
Seen on FOX 29, 14 December, 2018
Local non-profit to host massive toy giveaway Saturday
The 6th Annual Toy Giveaway is hosted by the non-profit organization, Little Daubers and the Golden Bingo Family.
Found in the Rivard Report, 14 December, 2018
Migrant Caravan a Lesson in ‘Loving Our Neighbors as Ourselves’
Gavin Rogers: I know that if Christians, and all people, live up to this framework of hospitality, we can transform stereotypes and reform our language to embrace and find compassion for immigrants.
Found in the Express-News, 15 December, 2018
San Antonio Youth Ballet performance of holiday Nutcracker benefits kids in need
the Youth Ballet’s Dance Reach program that serves more than 300 students. The mission of the program is to make ballet accessible to children across San Antonio, with a goal of providing dance lessons to 1,000 students in 2019.
Found in the Express-News, 15 December, 2018
San Antonio nonprofit and church host Christmas party for refugee children
More than 6,000 in the resettlement community have fled persecution, famine and war to immigrate to new countries where they practice their religion and enjoy free speech without fear of reprisal.
Seen on FOX 29, 16 December, 2018
San Antonio couple raises $1,500 for homeless man selling newspapers on corner
For years the couple saw Bill deliver the Sunday newspaper at Loop 1604 and Highway 281. His “gentle attitude, kindness and positive outlook on life brings happiness to others.”
Seen on Spectrum News, 16 December, 2018
San Antonio Firefighters Deliver Gifts to 4,000 Children
“It’s a chance to bond with the community, it’s a chance to bring some joy to families that are suffering this time of year and maybe wouldn’t have a Christmas without us.”
Seen on Spectrum News, 16 December, 2018
Bexar County Sheriffs Spread Holiday Joy to Children of the Incarcerated
“Wonder in the Holidays” has been an ongoing event for more than 20 years.
Found in the Express-News, 17 December, 2018
Head of San Antonio nonprofit protects asylum-seekers crossing the U.S.-Mexico border
“I really got to see how emotionally draining and traumatic it can be to be in a detention facility, when you’re talking about people who have already experienced incredible trauma.”
Seen on WOAI 4, 17 December, 2018
Families of murder victims come together for ‘homicide remembrance event’
“I want it to be a healing night to where others will say, man I thought I was alone but I’m not and I can come and cry with you and borrow your strength.”
También visto en KWEX 41, 16 de diciembre de 2018
Madres de víctimas de la violencia exigen justicia por sus hijos asesinados [Mothers of victims of violence demand justice for their murdered children]
Este grupo de mujeres recuerda a sus hijos, quienes perdieron la vida a causa de la violencia y llaman a las autoridades a aprobar una legislación de armas. [This group of women remembers their children, who lost their lives because of the violence and call on the authorities to approve a weapons legislation.]
Found in the SA Observer, December 11, 2018
THA1 Media Kicks Off #CandyCaneGiveBack
C.A.N.E stands for Care About Neighbors Everyday.
Found in La Prensa Texas, 14 December, 2018
The Gift of Volunteering
“It shows your children compassion and that it is the right thing to do That there are still good people in this world.”
Seen on Spectrum News, December 17, 2018
Hundreds line up for Christmas giveaway on East Side
“I came from the east side of San Antonio and I know what it is like to not get anything for Christmas, so it really warms my heart when I see all of the smiles on their faces.”
Seen on KSAT 12, 16 December, 2018
Paraplegic vet raises awareness for disabled vets through gaming
Gamerz 4 Vets even uses a 3D printer to customize controllers. “We kind of see what their limitations are or their abilities are and we do the best we can to fabricate a control box so they can play PC or console games.”
Found in the Rivard Report, 17 December, 2018
Volunteer Carolers Bring Holiday Peace and Joy to Bexar County Inmates
Lauren Eberhart, who plays trumpet with the Symphony, called music “one of the building blocks of humanity.” “I don’t think the people in here need it any less” than anyone else, she said.
Seen on KENS 5, 17 December, 2018
Archbishop celebrates Mass at Bexar County Jail
“This is a moment of peace, a moment of prayer, a moment of fraternity, in which we become aware one more time how important every one of us is, every one of you.”
Found in the Express-News, 18 December, 2018
Eva’s Heroes will be onstage for Alamo City Dance’s sensory-friendly ‘Nutcracker’
The idea is to very clearly demonstrate that the arts are inclusive at every level — not just as something to go to, but as something to participate in, as well.
Found in the Rivard Report, 18 December, 2018
After 13 Years of Feeding San Antonio’s Homeless, The Chow Train Ends Its Weekly Dinners
Cheever wants to take that and other experiences she’s gained over 13 years with The Chow Train and put it toward efforts to address homelessness and food insecurity, whether it’s through policy advocacy or writing another book.
Seen on KENS 5, 18 December, 2018
Group sews special caps for children spending holidays in the hospital
“I’m hoping they find the right one for them. We have flamingos to snails to Superman to Star Wars.”
Seen on KSAT 12, 17 December, 2018
Alamo Kiwanis Club donates adaptive tricycles to children with special needs
They spent the year holding fundraisers to get enough money to buy two adaptive tricycles for children with special needs.
Seen on Spectrum News, 18 December, 2018
12-Year-Old Runs Nonprofit to Treat Police Officers
Last year, when he was 11, Cisneros founded “A Break For The Blue,” a nonprofit that gives out gift cards to officers, so they can get a cup of coffee or a treat during their breaks.
Visto en KWEX 41, 18 de diciembre de 2018
Arzobispo visita hospital infantil en San Antonio [Archbishop visits children’s hospital in San Antonio]
El arzobispo Gustavo García Siller recorrió varios pisos del hospital infantil y les dio varios regalos, además de darles la bendición y extender una oración con ellos. [Archbishop Gustavo García Siller toured several floors of the children’s hospital and gave them gifts, in addition to blessing and praying with them.]
Found in the Express-News, 19 December, 2018
Post-prison, women find a faith-based haven at Grace House
“How are you going to find hope in people with no hope? How are you going to find hope if you’re not surrounded by people seeking the same thing?”
Seen on KENS 5, 19 December, 2018
Prayers answered: Teen gets new smile for Christmas
Maria said that they lost their health insurance when her husband died, and Medicaid denied the coverage for Jonathon’s braces.
Seen on KSAT 12, 18 December, 2018
Haven for Hope brings outreach program to homeless people beyond city limits
“They have gone beyond. I would’ve given up on me.”
Seen on Spectrum News, 19 December, 2018
“Winter Whataland” Host Children From St. PJ’s, Children’s Shelter of San Antonio
Whataburger hosted a wintery fest at the DoSeum for children of St. PJ’s, Respite Care and The Children Shelter of San Antonio on Tuesday evening.
