Eloy lines up with the rest of the families at the Food Bank’s Fresh Food for Families (FFFF) Mobile Pantry distribution in San Marcos.
Today, he’s on the client side of the line receiving food, but other times he’s delivering soup to home-bound older adults when he volunteers at his church.
For years, he has been volunteering, whether it’s at other pantries, his church or local non-profit Centro Esperanza. Eloy likes to stay active and help others now that he doesn’t work.
“I enjoy it. I get to meet people and return the blessing. I enjoy it a whole lot. It’s a wonderful opportunity to be of service to others,” Eloy said.
After suffering from medical issues, Eloy had to retire early from his job as a bilingual teacher. He receives disability benefits and lives on a fixed income. To help cover his expenses, Eloy picks up scrap metal to sell and even gets help from his neighbors who give him a call when they have scrap metal for him.
Between his medical expenses and bills, Eloy sometimes doesn’t have enough for food and needs to turn to the Food Bank’s FFFF Mobile Pantry distribution and Partner Agency, Hays County Food Bank, to get through the month and to help his sister and his niece Betsy.
Double your Impact
Eloy shares the food he receives with his sister, who is a single mother and is unable to work because she has to take care of her daughter Betsy. Though Betsy is 35, she has different abilities and requires care full time.
“It helps a lot, a whole lot. That’s how we get fed because sometimes we don’t have anything and we only get paid once a month,” Eloy said.
At the distribution, Eloy gets carrots, potatoes, fruit, bell peppers, limes, onions, and much more. When he visits the food pantry, he’ll get canned food items and meats. With all the food, his sister will make beef stew, chicken soup, rice and beans for all three of them.
With the holidays approaching, the family is already looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas. However, Eloy knows that without help from the Food Bank, the family’s holiday dinner wouldn’t be the same.
He has already signed up to receive a turkey and a box of food to complement his holiday dinner at the Hays County Food Bank.
“It means a lot because it’s hard to make ends meet,” he said. “It’s a great blessing. Without it we would just have a few things for Thanksgiving, but with this box that we’re getting, it’s a great blessing.”
This holiday season, help ensure families like Eloy’s are able to gather around a full table. Thanks to a generous matching challenge provided by the Beaumont Foundation and Texas Jacobson Aviation, your donation will have DOUBLE the impact! That means $1 helps provide 8 meals for families.
Your gift makes sure that our Central Texas neighbors will have a full plate this Thanksgiving, and throughout the year. Help us provide Hope for the Holidays!
