By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
When some of Del Rio’s pageant queens saw the waters surge through Kerrville and leave the town devastated, they threw it into gear within days of the event collecting supplies. Collecting the supplies wasn’t about crowns or sashes—it was about compassion.
“We collected cases of water, diapers, formula, personal hygiene products, clothing, suitcases, cleaning supplies, detergent, trash bags, medical supplies and nonperishable food,” Claudia Lopez Cruz, known for directing several of Del Rio’s pageants, said. “As a bonus, Julio’s Chips generously contributed a hometown favorite — their iconic chips, a staple in our community. Donations came from the queens, local banks, GEO, Amistad Dentistry and many other community angels.”
When Kerrville and the surrounding area went into recovery mode, Cruz took the supplies to Kerrville Saturday with her husband Sammy.
“Witnessing the aftermath of the flood disaster was deeply saddening and devastating,” she said. “It wasn’t just the wreckage that left a mark—it was the stories shared by rescue workers, including her own brother, who had been on the ground since day one.
The Queens were so successful collecting supplies, it took the
Cruzes two trips to get all the supplies there.
“I just have to thank the Galindo and Martinez family too for helping with helping get the first load to Kerrville,” said Cruz.
The outpouring from Del Rio had been incredible—so much so that their second delivery required coordination with a local church and a disaster relief nonprofit to set up a temporary distribution center.
Though safety concerns kept the pageant queens from joining Cruz and her husband on the trip, their hands had packed and loaded every box, Cruz said.
While Cruz hated that the pageant queens couldn’t make the
journey, she made sure to capture photos and videos, so the girls could see the difference their service project had made—while ensuring they were shielded from the dangerous, debris-strewn areas near the water.
Among the donations were snacks and supplies from Julio’s Chips, handed out personally to flood survivors, volunteers and first responders.
For Cruz, the experience underscored a powerful truth: in disaster relief, flexibility is everything. Plans change, needs shift, but love—especially from a community like Del Rio—endures.
The queens who went to bat for the Kerrville victims included Rae Valencia, Miss 4th Val Verde; Kianna Villa, Miss Val Verde Teen; Rebecca Falcon, Jr. Miss Val Verde; Bella Dominguez, Lil Miss Val Verde; Ariana Mendoza, Miss Queen City; Evelyn Dominguez, Miss Del Rio; Maryjose Flores, Miss 16 de Septiembre; Leilani Garcia, Miss 5 de Mayo; Danahi Santos, Miss Fiesta and Amya Mendoza,Miss 5 de Mayo Teen.
Others were Kailey Leewright, Jr. Miss 5 de Mayo; and Amilia Rose Zambrano, Lil Miss 5 de Mayo. Also participating were Hadassah Ladner and Mila Chacon, both Ambassadors of Goodwill; Wylei Barrera, Toddler Miss 4th of July; Marie Nope, Tiny Miss 4th of July; Lavea Long, Lil Miss 4th of July; Ayvrii Gracia, Pre-Teen Miss 4th of July; Andrea Padilla, Miss Sherman; Aunika Garcia, Jr. Miss 4th of July; Natalia Limon, Miss 4th of July Teen and Princessa Rocha, Miss 4th of July.
