By Brian Argabright
The 830 Times
While the crisis at the US/Mexico border continues, though with dwindling numbers of immigrants, folks in Del Rio are doing their part to provide humanitarian aid to both law enforcement and immigrants.
Almost as soon as the numbers in law enforcement increased, members of the community began strategizing a way to give back for their roles in keeping Del Rio safe. Felipe Martinez Jr. was one of the first, and through his efforts and those of his fellow organizers, they were able to put together the “Feed The Line” event Saturday at 216 Chapman Road beginning at noon.
Donations poured in from throughout the community. There were so many that the group announced Wednesday that they would accept no more donations and instead needed manpower, roasters and coolers to help distribute what they estimate between 1,000 and 1,500 plates to first responders throughout the day.
Michael Andrade, an employee with T-Mobile and known by many as one of the voice of KWMC 1490’s sports team, was collecting snacks to donate and was able to accumulate a pretty good batch before taking them to be distributed.
Beginning Thursday, the city of Del Rio will be collection items for law enforcement at the old Belles store inside Plaza del Sol Mall. Food and beverages won’t be accepted, but hygiene products, feminine hygiene products, linens, toothbrushes/toothpaste and mouth wash as well as pre-packaged non-perishable snacks are being accepted.
Interested persons can drop off items between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday or Sunday.
The reason for the site is to help streamline donations and make it easier to deliver the items to the law enforcement personnel in town. Persons should not take donations to the port of entry.
Another entity doing its part to help in this humanitarian crisis is the Val Verde Border Humanitarian Coalition, which has been assisting immigrants since the influx of migrant began in 2019.
The group, housed at the Chihuahua Center off Las Vacas Road, is not accepting clothing, but is encouraging people to visit their official website – vvbhcoalition.com – and do one of three things – sign up to be a volunteer, hit the “donate” button to contribute financially, or purchase something off their Amazon wishlist. Some of the items include car seats, snacks, toys, duffle bags, service carts, printing supplies, pocket notepads and more.
The coalition is even accepting donations to help put together toiletry bags for the Texas Department of Public Safety troopers stationed here.
And speaking of DPS troopers, some area folks have also offered to open their homes to the troopers to give them a place to stay while they are here.
These are just some of the examples of the good deeds this community has been involved in. No doubt there are more, but some people just like to do good behind the scenes and don’t seek out credit for what they do. There’s nothing wrong with that.
The amount of giving and love shown to everyone involved has become quite the stark contrast to the social media warriors determined to find the negative in everything being done. Don’t be fooled … there is still hate out there because either people don’t want to understand what’s going on or choose the easier path of anger versus that of education and compassion.
One of my favorite claims in regards to what’s happening here is the tried and true, “The media won’t show you this …” Well let me explain that the media would love to show you that stuff, they really would, but often times they are barred from those areas for “safety reasons” or the photos you see are spin put out by the entities involved to counter news that has been reported. Is it all news good news? No. Is it all bad news? No. This crisis has been covered by a variety of amazing journalists who have tried and find as many angles as possible to bring information to the public. As a member of the media, but one that hasn’t been sent down to the bridge yet, I salute every one of them because it hasn’t been easy.
But that’s enough negativity for now. Thank you, Del Rio, for all you’ve done to try and help. You all are some awesome folks. I hope we don’t forget that generosity in the future because you never know who could use your help in your own backyard.
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Brian Argabright has been a journalist for 25 years. An award-winning writer and photographer, he has covered sports, features and much more during his career. Contact him at drnhsports@gmail.com
