We recently met up with Paul and Mary Hardin to discuss their upcoming Food Drive event for Cedar Springs’ residents happening this Saturday, November 14th 2020. Let’s jump right into the interview!
Helotes News: How long have you lived in Helotes?
Mary: We moved to Cedar Springs from Provo, Utah last year in July after Paul retired.
Paul: I retired from Brigham Young University as a project manager. We wanted to find a nice community closer to our family in Texas.
Helotes News: What motivated you to run this food drive?
Mary: We work in our church’s food pantry, and we both saw the need for this kind of assistance in our community.
Paul: It’s an unfortunate situation to see so much need for food in our community, especially compared to what we have on our own table. We know of families who have so little right now due to COVID, that all they have available for dinner is a can of Tuna fish. The secondary purpose for this drive is to provide those who are longing to give back to the community an opportunity to serve. So, we are helping provide that outlet for them.
Helotes News: How will the food be distributed?
Paul: Donated food will be distributed by the San Antonio Food Bank through pantries, group homes, shelters, soup kitchens, mobile units, and other partner agencies.
Helotes News: When is the pickup time and location?
Paul: Please leave non-perishable food items and infant care products on your Doorstep Saturday November 14. Volunteers will pick up the donations between 2-4 p.m. Donations can also be dropped off at the Hardin Home, 12906 New Cedar by 4pm Saturday.
Helotes News: What items are acceptable to donate on Saturday?
Paul: Any non-perishable canned or boxed food items, as well as pet food, baby food, and baby care items can be donated.
Helotes News: What are the most needed items to your knowledge?
Paul: The San Antonio Food Bank lists the top 12 wanted items as these: Peanut butter, beans, chili & soups, cereal, rice, canned lunch meats, tuna, mac & cheese, pet food, pop top food items, full meals in a can or box, and baby food & diapers.
Helotes News: What will the volunteers have to do on Saturday?
Paul: Food pickup volunteers should meet at the Hardin Home, 12906 New Cedar, at 1:45pm on Saturday. We will give them a map of their route, which will show where they will pick up the food from the doorstep of each participating home. We suggest volunteers bring at least one partner, so one can drive their vehicle and the other(s) can walk the route to pick up the donations. We strongly urge them to wear masks and gloves, and practice social distancing. They will then deliver the food to our house to be weighed and boxed up for delivery to the San Antonio Food Bank. Also, depending on the quantity of donations, we will likely need a few volunteers to help us transport the items to the Food Bank on Monday.
Helotes News: If someone in Cedar Springs who isn’t on the Facebook group or part of the management company’s email list would like to volunteer, but is a Helotes News follower, will you allow us to pass along your contact information to them?
Paul: Absolutely! *Editor’s comment: Please contact Helotes News for Paul and Mary’s contact information. We have permission to pass that along to volunteers.
Helotes News: Do you have any final thoughts to add?
Paul: Mary and I have found the people of Helotes and Cedar Springs to be wonderfully helpful and friendly. When we moved from Utah 1-1/2 years ago, over 30 people showed up in our driveway to unload our moving truck! We anticipate that the same devotion to community that motivated our new neighbors then will be demonstrated again in the results of this food drive.
If you are interested in volunteering for this event please contact Helotes News: via email staff@helotesnews.com or call/text to 210-780-7647. Please leave a voicemail or text if we are unable to answer your call.