8 minute read
Blessing in the Chaos
John McCalla, VP of the St. Vincent de Paul food bank.
Despite the unimaginable chaos and strain of 2020, much still exists in Kerr County to warrant thankfulness during the holidays—especially for those people and organizations such as The Society of St. Vincent de Paul who work tirelessly keeping families fed. Five-year Conference President Debra Payne explains, "St. Vincent de Paul, an international nonprofit whose mission is to End Poverty Through Systemic Change, came to Notre Dame Catholic Church in 1953. The organization is comprised of three ministries: thrift store, food pantry, and financial assistance. “We give out over $300,000 in goods and provide $340,000 in financial assistance every year to 1,800 families representing 9,500 people,” Debra says. “We totally put ourselves in God’s hands, and whatever He wants is what we accomplish.”
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Blessings in the Chaos turning to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
by Kari Short
Volunteer power
Typical of the determined industry keeping Kerr County one of the best communities in Texas, the volunteers at St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry on Broadway did not let COVID-19 deter their service. While significantly altering operations to comply with safety requirements, since March the food bank has distributed 275,685 pounds of food to approximately 4,500 families in Kerr and surrounding counties. That was no small feat considering many avenues for traditional donations declined considerably as the quarantine period languished along. In the spring, they even questioned if they’d have enough supplies to last through June. Leading the initiative has been retired United States Marine Corps officer John McCalla who has volunteered with St. Vincent de Paul since 1996 and serves as vice president for the food pantry—a perfect application of his aviation supply background. The normal food drives through the post office, Our Lady of the Hills and Notre Dame schools, as well as the collections during Lent didn’t happen this year. Collections during Lent alone typically generate 9,000 to 10,000 pounds of food. Additionally, food and bags from the San Antonio Food Bank shared ministry program still cost approximately $34,000 annually. Equally concerning, the main revenue source for the pantry, St. Vincent de Paul’s Thrift Shop, was closed for almost six months. “Fortunately, we’ve gotten some very generous donations from individuals and The Community Foundation of the Hill Country,” shares John. “That community effort through The Community Foundation has kept us in operation.”
When COVID hit, operations changed from one-to-one personal the family and income which can be up to 185 percent of assistance to drive-through thus compounding the necessary federal poverty guidelines. “For example, a family of four with manpower. Of the one hundred St. Vincent de Paul volunteers, a monthly income of $4,040 can qualify for assistance,” John approximately fifty work directly with the food pantry and adds. People don’t have to be a member of the Catholic Church they simply redoubled their efforts to tackle the distribution to receive assistance or volunteer. challenges. John and his team receive weekly food deliveries from the San Antonio Food Bank and private donations which they organize similar to a " . . . since March the food Volunteers Steve and Debbie Schlaffer, selfproclaimed oil and gas nomads who made their grocery store. Then, they fill baskets with bank has distributed homes in Texas, Pennsylvania, and California, staples based upon family sizes so they can 275,685 pounds of food retired to Kerrville five years ago. They heard quickly distribute through the new drivethrough system. to 4,500 families." about the food pantry program at Mass one night. They attended the program’s open house and started volunteering every Wednesday and one Saturday a “It is very labor intensive now,” states John. “It was more month. personal when they could come inside and we shopped for them. We got to learn about the families. Steve explains, “People who have been very successful in their “When COVID started, we probably doubled distribution to lives realize how fortunate they are and want to find a way to almost 40,000 pounds of food per month. We also increased give back.” what we gave them, and saw many new families using the John McCalla sums it up, “Our goal is not only to provide food, services. Just the other night a young man, his wife and two kids but also to offer hope.” drove by and saw the lights. They stopped and later left, able to put food on their table for a couple of days. When people drive You can help—currently, the food pantry especially needs away, they are very thankful. They know the amount of effort volunteers, canned green beans, macaroni and cheese, Ramen that goes into the food pantry.” noodles, diapers, soap, toilet paper, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products. Contact St. Vincent de Paul at 1145 Broadway, Helping others Kerrville. 830-896-6898. Wednesdays 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays 9-11 a.m. People are asked to register at St. Vincent de Paul to qualify for assistance. The criteria are based on the number of people in Kari is an award-winning writer living in Ingram, Texas.
St. Vincent de Paul Volunteer Holiday Favorites
Maura’s Cranberry Sauce
1 package (12 oz.) fresh cranberries ½ cup sugar (more if you prefer sweeter) ½ cup water ½ cup orange juice ½ tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. orange zest ½ tsp. nutmeg 1 cinnamon stick 3-4 whole cloves
Rinse and drain cranberries. Bring water and orange juice to a boil in medium-size saucepan. Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
Add cranberries and other ingredients and cook over medium heat until thick (about 15-20 minutes). Cool and remove cinnamon stick and cloves.
Serve chilled or at room temperature. Leftovers are good on turkey sandwiches.
Maura Windlinger
Holiday Pound Cake
5 eggs 2 sticks of butter softened
1-3/4 cups sugar 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. vanilla pinch of salt
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour Bundt pan. Cream butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt.
Add eggs and flour alternatively ending with flour. Pour into cake pan and bake for 50-55 minutes.
Serve with seasonal fruit and whipped cream or ice cream.
Barbara Bryan
28 Years Together
We would like to extend a Very Special Thank You to each and every one of you for supporting us during the last 28 years.
It has been an honor to serve this community. Due to the sale of our property, this is our last season. We will miss everyone dearly but look forward to the new adventure in store. The Jenschke Family
• New Crop Pecans Halves ● Pieces ● Whole
• Fredericksburg Sweet Potatoes • Fall Squash & Pie Pumpkins
Follow us on Facebook and visit our new website—JenschkeFarms.com—we would like to continue serving you. Our phone number will remain the same.
Stop by for you fall produce or just to say hello.
Open till December 15
830-257-4005 10 – 5 Mon – Sat
PRODUCE 313 Lemos St., Kerrville Fresh Seasonal Fruit & Vegetables | Junction, Texas Pecans
Where Beauty Goes to Glam
Lindy Sewell Stylist/Lash Extensions Josie Castorena Microblading
Salon Hours M-F, 10-5 Late Appointments Available Sat/Sun By Appointment Only April Andrews Stylist Danielle Distefano Stylist
Tanning/Boutique Hours M-F, 10-5, Sat 10-3 Hair · Skin Tanning & Boutique
Brazilian Blowout Certified Salon
HARD AT WORK Protecting Your Dream
Diane and Bob Green Owners
At Kerr County Abstract & Title Co., we are a hardworking family. When work ends, we return to our own homes and families. We understand the importance of homeownership and are committed to protecting that dream for you and your family. 712 Earl Garrett St. • Kerrville, TX 78028 • 830.257.5151 • www.KerrTitle.com
Holiday Hassles ? gift yourself with Reiki the natural stress reliever
In spite of our good intentions, stress happens, and haven’t we already had enough of that this year? Then in November and December we traditionally go into high gear—decorating, gift shopping, cooking, party going, and family gathering. Even if all the busyness is fun, it can be exhausting and leave us particularly vulnerable during flu season on top of the pandemic.
Have you ever wished you could do it differently—to enjoy the holidays with ease and comfort? Disease and discomfort too often become byproducts of our fatigue and stress. Reiki is a hands-on, integrative therapy that can help break that cycle. It’s a natural healing therapy that promotes physical and emotional balance through relaxation, helping you shift gears this holiday season and into the new year.
Anne Schneider is a Kerrville Reiki Master with fourteen years experience and is a member of The Reiki Alliance— an international organization of traditional Reiki Masters. Support your wellness and schedule your Reiki session with Anne at her Ventana Al Cielo Studio. Stress-free holiday tip: Reiki gift certificates make great stocking stuffers for everyone. Interested in learning Reiki as a supportive natural healing therapy for yourself and others if you choose? Anne’s ten hour Reiki I training is simple and practical—FRI 6:30-9 pm, SAT 12:30- 5:30 pm, and SUN 9:30 am-noon. Contact Anne now to attend her next training class November 20-22. Please note that private Reiki sessions and group trainings will follow CDC guidelines for personal safety during the pandemic.
Anne@ReikiTexas.info or (830)739-5828. Visit her website at ReikiTexas.info.
