Ingleside Index
Virginia Carey, 73, is on a fixed income, barely able to make rent and keep up with her husband Stephen’s (right), 76, medical expenses. So, the couple, like so many in Ingleside, come to Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church to participate in their ongoing monthly drive-through food bank. Each driver in line – volunteers guessed there were about 40 on Wednesday, November 16 – some waiting at least three hours before the distribution began. One recipient even braved the 40-degree cold patiently waiting on his bike. Each household received a corrugated cardboard box filled with fresh chicken, vegetables, canned goods, bread, and pastries – much of it donated by H.E.B., Walmart, or supplies the church purchases at a discount from the Food Bank of the Coastal Bend.“If I had any extra cash I wouldn’t be here,” acknowledged Carey. “This helps immensely,” she added, grateful, near tears. “It’s been extremely hard,” Carey continued, discussing the couple’s financial plight, their marriage approaching a 54-year anniversary.“We’re blessed because of places like this.”Congregation members raise much of the money to keep this program going on their own and welcome the public’s support, either through non-perishable food items or money that can be used to continue fulfilling a growing need in the Ingleside community. For more information, contact the church office Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at (361) 776-2446.“As long as we’re able to help, then it’s a blessing,”said volunteer Janie Gonzalez.