Tag Archives: Donations

Get to know Daily Bread Ministries

By North SA Chamber Editor
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DailyBread_4cMission Statement
Using our faith, food, and facility, we partner with businesses, churches, nonprofits, and Christian Ministries to have a life-transforming impact on the hungry and under-served through nutritional, educational, and health support services.

History
Since 1996, our efforts to “glean,” or reclaim food and other necessities has resulted not only in environmental stewardship, but more importantly, transferring millions of pounds of food and household goods to struggling families.  In 2013, we distributed 4.3 million pounds of food and other basic necessities to 120 organizations which fed over 300,000 individuals, many of which are single moms and their children. We have partnerships with over 30 food sellers within our city, and also receive intermittent food shipments from several national food organizations. With a small staff of 8, we rely heavily on our 1,500+ annual volunteers. Over 100 arrive in mass three times a week to sort and separate goods for distribution, as well as clean and take care of our facility.

Future
In 2012, Daily Bread Ministries purchased a 163,000 square foot which is being developed into a robust community center, called the Liberty Center. The new additions will play a critical role in ending hunger and poverty for the families in the surrounding neighborhoods and the Greater San Antonio Area. Over the next 3-5 years, we will see the completion of our center, with co-located services provided by partner nonprofits in the areas of education, nutrition, job and health support for the under-served in the area.

Our plans include:

  • A commercial kitchen, which will allow us to provide hot meals in addition to offering culinary job training and nutrition classes
  • Fitness Center and sports courts
  • Meeting rooms
  • Classrooms and computer labs for mentoring and educational development
  • Game areas
  • Music venue and theater for arts and conferences

LibertyCenter1LibertyCenter2

Contact
Daily Bread Ministries is located at 6351 Rittiman Road in San Antonio, Texas. DBM can be reached by phone (210-223-4707) or by email.
Click the links below to follow DBM on social media!
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Current Needs
We are always accepting volunteers and donations! Please visit our website for more information on how you can make a difference with Daily Bread Ministries.

Here are our other current areas of need:

  • Canned goods
  • A 26 foot refrigerated truck. We are needing this to comply with the City of San Antonio Health Department regulations and will greatly improve our ability to serve the community.
  • An electric industrial pallet jack to assist in warehouse maintenance.
  • Racking for our warehouse

H-E-B ‘Market at Stone Oak’ and Oak Crossing restaurant now open to the public

By North SA Chamber Editor
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HEB_logo_plainStone Oak community leaders, neighbors and customers joined H-E-B leadership on Friday, June 19 to celebrate the completion of the one-of-a-kind H-E-B Market at Stone Oak, located at 23635 Wilderness Oak. The ribbon cutting ceremony included remarks by Richard Perez, President and CEO of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, and Duane Wilson, President and CEO of the North Chamber of Commerce.

The new 80,000-square-foot market is the first of its kind in San Antonio, and the second in the entire state to feature an H-E-B restaurant adjacent to the store. The Stone Oak location now offers customers thousands of unique product selections in hundreds of expanded departments, and also features an outdoor children’s playground. The store and restaurant combined employ a total of 350 people.

“It was important for to us to build a store that is able to serve the unique needs of Stone Oak’s diverse and rapidly expanding community,” said Kim Harle, H-E-B Public Affairs Manager. “From families and young professionals to seniors in the area, the Market at Stone Oak will provide everyone with unique, high-quality products at an affordable price.”

During the ribbon cutting ceremony, H-E-B also made a dream come true for 15-year-old cancer survivor, Kaylee Carew. Through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, H-E-B surprised Carew by fulfilling her wish to stay at the Disney Resort in Hawaii with her family. In addition, H-E-B donated $1,000 each to the following organizations: Johnson High School, Lopez Middle School, Wilderness Oak Elementary, Hardy Oak Elementary and the Mays YMCA. All commemorative donations for the day amounted to a total of more than $20,000.

“At H-E-B, we view each store opening as an opportunity to give back to the communities we serve and say thank you to our customers for their continued support,” said Suzanne Wade, H-E-B President of the San Antonio Food and Drug Division. “Today’s donations demonstrate our ongoing commitment to our San Antonio customers and to education in Texas.”

Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant known as Oaks Crossing will serve a variety of chef-inspired meals, rare wines and a wide selection of Texas craft brews on tap. Menu items will include: locally sourced barbeque with traditional sides, Neapolitan-style pizzas, hot and cold sandwiches, salads, pasta bowls, Asian-inspired bowls, small appetizer plates, hamburgers, Mexican food, a children’s menu and variety of desserts. Customers can choose to enjoy their meal in the indoor café seating area, or on the expansive outdoor patio which will feature misters, fans, heaters, televisions and live entertainment.

Oaks Crossing will be open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to Midnight and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday brunch will be served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and will feature live jazz music on the patio.

Highlights from the new store include:

  • An in-house pharmacy with dedicated pick-up and drop-off counters, immunizations, a patient education room, two-lane drive-through service and prescription delivery service
  • A dedicated seafood department with specialty products and additional frozen and fresh options including fish, shellfish and fresh seafood burgers
  • Healthy Living department with over 200 bulk food items, spices, tea, fresh-ground nut butters, local honeys, bulk jerky and organic beauty products
  • The largest beer and wine section of any San Antonio H-E-B location, featuring over 600 beer brands and hundreds of local and international wines
  • A produce section with over 100 local and organic selections, fresh juice station, and in-store fruit and vegetable cutting station
  • Full-service meat market offering USDA Prime, natural and organic meats
  • An expansive deli featuring over 250 fresh-cut artisanal cheeses, over 30 varieties of hummus, charcuterie plates and in-house roasted meats
  • A bakery department with custom, “to-order” cake decorating, scratch flour tortillas and bread and individual pastries
  • A general merchandise department with expanded offerings in the following categories: Sports Nutrition, Cosmetics, Organic baby assortments and Pro hair Care

San Antonio Chamber of Commerce President Richard Perez and North Chamber of Commerce President Duane Wilson both thanked H-E-B for their investment in San Antonio and for their commitment to area nonprofit organizations.

“H-E-B has a long history in the San Antonio area, and we are thrilled to be here today to help celebrate the opening of this wonderful new store,” said Perez.  “The City of San Antonio is also very lucky to have H-E-B as a corporate partner who understands the importance of local initiatives and support for nonprofit organizations,” added Wilson.

HEB_stoneoak1Members of the Johnson High School choir sign the National Anthem during the H-E-B Market at Stone Oak ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday.

HEBstoneoak215-year-old cancer survivor Kaylee Carew was presented with an award for bravery and a special trip to the Disney resort in Hawaii with her family. Pictured: Kimberly Harle – HEB Public Affairs, Harry Hauck – H-E-B Market at Stone Oak Unit Director, & Kaylee Carew.

HEBstoneoak3Stone Oak community members and store leaders cut a red ribbon in front of the first-ever H-E-B Market at Stone Oak.

HEBstoneoak4Stone Oak community members and store leaders of the first-ever H-E-B Market at Stone Oak celebrate completion of the first-of-its-kind H-E-B during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, June 19.

With a business model based on recycling, every day is Earth Day at Goodwill

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Goodwill logo colorThe world commemorated Earth Day on April 22 this year. But at Goodwill, every day is Earth Day.

Goodwill operates one of the largest, most unique recycling programs in the area. The non-profit organization’s mission is to help change lives through the power of work. Every donation and every purchase at a Goodwill store funds education programs and services that assist people in finding better jobs and building career paths for a better future.

But because its unique business model relies on donated household items to sell at its retail stores, Goodwill recycles more than 13 million pounds of clothes, computers, appliances, household items, furniture, toys, books and other items each year, keeping still usable goods out of local landfills.

Goodwill collects generously donated items seven days a week at its 18 stores and 25 donation stations throughout San Antonio, New Braunfels, Seguin and Laredo.

Each donation to Goodwill undergoes a process of vetting, sorting, pricing and distribution unlike any other large-scale retailer. At Goodwill’s Distribution Center, workers on cherry pickers and forklifts sort through and categorize donations for distribution to one of the 18 stores in Goodwill’s 24-county service area. Employees at each location constantly process rotating piles of incoming donations and prepare them for sale within the stores.

Goodwill also plays an important role in recycling computer equipment, responsibly recycling and refurbishing more than a million pounds of technology hardware each year.  Goodwill accepts donations of used computers and related peripheral equipment of any brand, in any condition, at all of its retail stores and donation centers.

Through Reconnect, a partnership with Dell, Goodwill accepts used hard drives, laptops, monitors, printers, keyboards – basically anything that can be plugged into a computer. Equipment that doesn’t meet functionality standards is disassembled and metal, glass and plastic components are responsibly recycled.

Donations of computers and other household items are always needed and very much appreciated at Goodwill. New and gently used furniture, dishes, small household appliances, decorative items, books, toys, brand-name clothing and more are especially needed right now. All donors receive a tax receipt for their contributions.

For more information on Goodwill’s programs or services, or to find your nearest donation center please call 210-924-8581 or visit www.goodwillsa.org.

About Goodwill Industries of San Antonio
Serving San Antonio since 1945, Goodwill helps change lives through the power of work. When you shop or donate at Goodwill, you’re funding educational programs and services that assist people in finding better jobs and building careers. Together with the support of our generous community, partners and employers, Goodwill provides employment, training, educational opportunities and related services to more than 50,000 individuals each year. In addition to operating 18 retail stores, more than 25 donation stations and 10 Good Careers Centers in San Antonio, New Braunfels, Seguin, Laredo and surrounding areas, Goodwill operates 3 Good Careers Academies and handles 17 contracts for services ranging from document management to grounds maintenance.

 

Silver & Black Give Back

By North SA Chamber Editor
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spurs 25th AnnySilver & Black Give Back, the nonprofit partner for Spurs Sports & Entertainment’s family of teams, is excited to celebrate our 25th anniversary with you! We are honored and grateful to everyone who has participated in our programs over the last 25 years, and we are especially grateful to donors – like our Silver Circle partners – who continue to invest in our youth sports and youth led service initiatives. Thank you for making this anniversary so special.

Our programs give youth the opportunity to impact our community – through character leadership and education based service projects. We are continually amazed at the work our youth accomplish. Two years ago, the Johnson High School Key Club participated in the inaugural year of the Team Up Challenge, one of our premiere initiatives. Throughout the school year the club volunteered at the San Antonio Food Bank and researched the benefits of home gardens. Lauren Tsai, their junior president, was a Parade All-American finalist for her leadership in the fight against childhood hunger.

The Johnson High School Key Club was one of five Team Up Challenge Champions to receive a $20,000 award. The group donated their winnings to the San Antonio Food Bank. Through their work they were able to feed over 4,000 children.

spurs Johnson High School 5

But the service of the Key Club is just one of many stories. Students involved in the Team Up Challenge – now in its third year – have volunteered over 12,000 hours on projects focusing on issues like hunger, bullying, obesity, diabetes, college readiness, refugee assimilation, stray animal rescue, literacy and teen driver safety.

To join in our 25th anniversary celebration and to see more inspiring stories, visit www.sbgb.org

AT&T Tuition Grant to The Winston School San Antonio Seeks 8th – 10th Graders

By North SA Chamber Editor
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winston school logoAt the Mayor’s SA2020 Press Conference on February 4, 2013, AT&T recognized The Winston School San Antonio (WSSA) as one of five grant awardees in San Antonio.

WSSA received a $100,000 grant from the AT&T Foundation’s Aspire Program to attract new students with the goal of graduating more at-risk high school students.

Mrs. Renee Flores, Regional Vice President, External Affairs within the AT&T External and Legislative Affairs organization, attended the February 28 WSSA Trustee meeting to congratulate its members on receipt of this award.  Pictured are Dr. Charles Karulak and Trustee Chair, Mrs. Margie Warren, thanking Mrs. Flores and AT&T Foundation for this generous gift.  Dr. Karulak presented Mrs. Flores with the inaugural WSSA Fiesta pin.

winston school pic 1

To meet the requirements of this grant, WSSA is increasing its marketing efforts and seeking new 8th – 10th grade students with learning disabilities from low-income families to our school.

For admissions information, visit http://www.winston-sa.org/admissions/admissions  or contact the WSSA Director of Admissions, Mrs. Julie Saboe at 210-615-6544.

 

Comerica Bank Unveils ‘Community Resource Center’ at San Antonio’s Historic Ella Austin Community Center

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Comerica-Sponsored Room Provides Computers, Wi-Fi Access, Financial Education Materials and Financial Literacy Training for Children, Adults and Seniors

ComericaBankBlueComerica Bank announced the opening of its first San Antonio “Comerica Community Resource Center” at the historic Ella Austin Community Center. The Community Resource Center contains new computers, Wi-Fi access, furniture, financial education books and materials focused on topics ranging from saving and budgeting to retirement planning and fraud.

San Antonio City Councilmember, Ivy Taylor, and Comerica’s Texas Market President, J. Patrick Faubion, helped dedicate the new Comerica Community Resource Center along with Ella Austin constituents, Comerica Bank employees and dozens of prominent community leaders at a check presentation and ribbon cutting ceremony.

Ella AustinIn addition to the $35,000 grant from Comerica to launch the Community Resource Center, it was also announced that local Comerica employees will teach a series of financial literacy workshops at Ella Austin starting this summer. The workshops, free and open to the public, will cover a variety of topics for children, adults and seniors including the basics of credit, budgeting, elder care abuse scams and retirement planning, and will be offered in both English and Spanish.

“While the Comerica Bank name is relatively new to San Antonio, we’re committed to serving this market as a trusted financial services partner to San Antonio businesses and families, and to helping community organizations like Ella Austin fulfill their missions,” said Comerica’s Faubion. “In addition to providing a grant to launch this access hub for economic self-sufficiency, the efforts of local Comerica Bank volunteers to teach the financial literacy workshop series will help local residents, including seniors, be successful in reaching their financial goals.”

“We are most grateful that Comerica Bank has come forward with its generous investment of $35,000 in our non-profit organization. By funding the new Community Resource Center, which is desperately needed, Comerica Bank is helping us give assistance, hope and the tools and resources in order for local San Antonio residents to improve their quality of life and financial well-being,” said Anthony Hargrove, Executive Director of Ella Austin Community Center.

Comerica Bank, through partner non-profits, currently operates two Comerica Community Resource Centers in Southern Dallas and one in Houston’s Third Ward.

Valero Texas Open, Benefit for Children Golf Classic – coming April 1-8, 2013

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Valero logoValero is looking forward to the upcoming Valero Texas Open golf tournament and its companion fundraising event, the Benefit for Children Golf Classic, which will take place April 1-8. The Valero Texas Open – an annual PGA TOUR event featuring some of professional golf’s top players – takes place at the TPC San Antonio course, located at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. The Benefit for Children Golf Classic features more than 2,000 players who sign up in foursomes to play on 10 local courses around San Antonio.

There are some new elements to this year’s tournament. The tournament will be played the week before the Masters tournament, which means it’s likely that more top-notch pros will play. And the tournament has a new director, announcing last September that Greg Norman Production Company, a subsidiary of Great White Shark Enterprises, will oversee management of the annual PGA TOUR event. GNPC also manages the Mayakoba Golf Classic in Riviera Maya, Mexico and the Franklin Templeton Shootout in Naples, Fla., a PGA TOUR Challenge Season event. The management agreement ensures that World Golf Hall of Fame member Greg Norman will have a presence at the TPC San Antonio’s AT&T Oaks Course, which he designed.

GNPC has appointed Larson Segerdahl, who has served as the Tournament Director for the Mayakoba Golf Classic since the event’s inception in 2007, to oversee the Valero Texas Open and its staff from its San Antonio office.

Valero_Texas_Open_2012_Photos_By_Gary_Perkins_1501For all the changes, the Valero Texas Open retains all of the traditions that have made it a special stop for pro golfers. Combined with the Benefit for Children, the Valero Texas Open is the largest fundraising tournament on the PGA TOUR. In the 11 years that Valero has been the tournament’s title sponsor, more than $71.5 million has been donated to charities. The 2012 Valero Texas Open, won by Ben Curtis, together with the Valero Texas Open Benefit for Children Golf Classic contributed $9 million to charities. And in mid-2012, Valero announced it would extend its title sponsorship through the 2018 tournament.

Tens of thousands of spectators enjoy the Valero Texas Open each year, making it one of the highest-attended professional sporting events in San Antonio each year. Spectators are joined by the thousands of volunteers who make the tournament possible.

Tickets are available online at www.valerotexasopen.org or at San Antonio-area Valero Corner Stores. Tickets are free for children 12 and under and to active-duty military personnel and their families.

Capital Group Companies retiree, John McLaughlin, honored by local school

By North SA Chamber Editor
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CGC logoNearly two decades ago, John McLaughlin and several Capital Group colleagues founded an Adopt-A-School program with SulRossMiddle School that continues to this day. Now, a newly renovated library, expanded to serve the growing student population, was renamed to honor John for his support while he was General Manager of Capital Group’s San Antonio office and, in his retirement.

Students and faculty, plus former and current Capital Group associates, gathered to celebrate both the opening of the newly renovated library and the longtime partnership between Capital Group and its adopted school.

Capital Group associates volunteer in many aspects of Sul Ross Middle School by:

  • sending 1,000 “survival” packs to students during testing week
  • mentoring students
  • facilitating intramural sports programs
  • holding food and supply drives to benefit the Sul Ross community
  • sponsoring events that expose students to the arts
  • awarding scholarships

The library dedication made clear that the partnership between the Capital Group and Sul Ross will continue to make a difference in the lives of the students, faculty and Capital Group associates for many years to come.

A Unique Bequest: Evan Meade and Morningside Ministries

By North SA Chamber Editor
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MM Main logoMorningside Ministries received a unique donation by an even more unique donor. The donation came on behalf of a 7th grade, Keystone middle school student named Evan Meade. Evan had requested donations to Morningside Ministries in lieu of gifts for his recent birthday. Such a unique bequest didn’t go unnoticed by staff.

“I’ve been in the business many years and we have a loyal, stable group of people who support Morningside Ministries. Most of the donors have had family members who have been cared for here at Morningside Ministries,” said Jack Rodgers, Director of Development.

“So, here comes this 13-year-old, and for his birthday, instead of birthday presents from his friends, he wants to give gifts to Morningside,” Rodgers said.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA“Many young people don’t have any associations with the elderly… it’s neat to see more intergenerational things going on in nursing homes,” Alvin Loewenberg, President and Chief Executive Officer of Morningside Ministries, agreed.

MM imageEvan is a part of a team called ‘The Randomist’ in the First Lego League (F.L.L.). This league is a worldwide robotics program for 9 to 14 year olds, which is designed to get children excited about science and technology and teach them valuable employment and life skills. F.L.L. is a wonderful international program, and it is truly inspiring the next generation of scientist, engineers and inventors.

Each year, teams throughout F.L.L. develop solutions to real world problems and can compete for an additional “Global Innovation Award.” The theme this year is ‘Senior Solutions.’ Evan and his team of four others will conduct research, develop strategies, and implement tactics that lead to the design of a practical invention for seniors. Simply put, his goal is to better the lives of older generations to the best of his ability.

Family Service Association of San Antonio, Inc. – Strengthening Families for 110 Years

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Family Service Association is honored to be the oldest human services agency in San Antonio. This year, we are happy to celebrate 110 years of delivering effective solutions to the challenges and problems that impede the success of individuals and families. You will find us wherever there are families in distress, children needing protection and educational opportunities, elders seeking independence, teens refuting the culture of substance abuse and gangs, returning warriors trying to find normalcy and employees seeking a healthier work-life balance. We’re changing lives every day.

2013: We are there!
Throughout  the year, Family Service will have a dynamic presence in all the usual places – neighborhoods and school campuses, classrooms, child care centers, homes, parenting classes, counseling offices, The Neighborhood Place – wherever families are in crisis or in need of a boost to get back on the playing field – stronger, wiser and healthier.

And in Unexpected Venues, Too
We are partnering with other businesses and organizations to celebrate their key anniversaries or decades of service. You’ll find us at health fairs, grand openings, sporting events, schools, citywide celebrations of every stripe. We’ll be there to raise awareness of the ongoing needs of those who look to us for services. Let us know if your school, business or organization is celebrating a key anniversary … and we can partner to spread the word about San Antonio’s best resources.

FSA muralVisit our Anniversary Mural
Family Service has a gift for our community and we invite you to see it. In a city that rejoices in art and history, our 110th Anniversary mural by artist David Blancas is commanding much excitement. The expansive mural spans the north side of our building at 702 San Pedro and graphically illustrates “family” in various forms. It also honors the role of social services in strengthening families with a depiction of Jane Addams, the matriarch of American social change. The ground floor of the mural is painted in acrylic directly on the brick façade and the remainder is constructed of a dozen panels that combine to create a mural that soars three stories. The mural is part of Project Inspire: Mural Arts Program and the City of San Antonio Office of Cultural Affairs Community Arts Access Program. Come by our main office at 702 San Pedro to see this magnificent work of art!

Your gifts to Family Service help us change lives. That’s what we’ve been doing faithfully for 110 years. To send a gift, to volunteer, to Adopt a Family or to get information on our services, contact us at (210)299-2400, 702 San Pedro Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78212 or visit us on the web at www.family-service.org.