2008 Woodie Awards
Suffering national economy looms toward city's donation facilities
Local charity and youth facilities put deprived economy into perspective.
By Jason B. Hogan
Issue date: 6/30/08 Section: News
Originally published: 7/11/08 at 5:03 PM CSTLast update: 9/4/08 at 2:09 PM CST
A downward spiral on the economy has extended itself to all facets of everyday life, especially food donations to local San Antonio organizations.
But with the expiration of the Custom Foods contract May 16, the company made a final stride toward community activism within the district.
Tracy Wash, former San Antonio College cafeteria manager for Custom Foods, spent a full day coordinating with local charitable facilities dispersing leftover food and materials.
"We're not going to throw it away. We're going to give to someone who needs it," Wash said. "You have to think of the kids."
Custom Foods donated to three local organizations: the Ronald McDonald House; the Eastside Boys and Girls Club; and the Food Bank.
The previous evening, Wash said she watched a segment on a local news program that spoke of the Food Bank's dire need for donations.
The Food Bank said they were low on everything they typically had available, Wash said.
Heather Bivin, volunteer coordinator and guest relations for the Ronald McDonald House, said the foundation receives donations from community advocates and then distributes the materials to resident families of the houses.
"We put them out for the families at the house," Bivin said. "We have a house pantry, and they take what they need and prepare it themselves."
Bivin said they have noticed a decline in donations due to recent problems in the local and national economy.
The Ronald McDonald House maintains simple satellite programs such as their "Tab Top" program, where representatives and volunteers collect bottle caps and recycle them for money to benefit various charities.
Regardless of monetary funds for the foundation, Bivin said they appreciate any assistance they receive from local community members donating their time.
Among the donations of food, money or time devoted to the foundation, cleaning supplies for the housing area are needed on a regular basis.
But with the expiration of the Custom Foods contract May 16, the company made a final stride toward community activism within the district.
Tracy Wash, former San Antonio College cafeteria manager for Custom Foods, spent a full day coordinating with local charitable facilities dispersing leftover food and materials.
"We're not going to throw it away. We're going to give to someone who needs it," Wash said. "You have to think of the kids."
Custom Foods donated to three local organizations: the Ronald McDonald House; the Eastside Boys and Girls Club; and the Food Bank.
The previous evening, Wash said she watched a segment on a local news program that spoke of the Food Bank's dire need for donations.
The Food Bank said they were low on everything they typically had available, Wash said.
Heather Bivin, volunteer coordinator and guest relations for the Ronald McDonald House, said the foundation receives donations from community advocates and then distributes the materials to resident families of the houses.
"We put them out for the families at the house," Bivin said. "We have a house pantry, and they take what they need and prepare it themselves."
Bivin said they have noticed a decline in donations due to recent problems in the local and national economy.
The Ronald McDonald House maintains simple satellite programs such as their "Tab Top" program, where representatives and volunteers collect bottle caps and recycle them for money to benefit various charities.
Regardless of monetary funds for the foundation, Bivin said they appreciate any assistance they receive from local community members donating their time.
Among the donations of food, money or time devoted to the foundation, cleaning supplies for the housing area are needed on a regular basis.
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