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August 4, 2020

Alamo RC&D focuses on seniors dealing with Covid-19

By Vicki L. George
The Bandera Prophet

The world has turned upside down and resulted in many changes to the Alamo Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc. Where Alamo RC&D once had several programs for our senior citizens to get them together to socialize and to encourage exercise and hobbies, the organization now has one primary focus: to help our seniors with their Covid-19 issues.
Of course, that also means social distancing, masks and avoiding others who may infect them. And that means isolation, which, in turn, can lead to depression and loneliness. It also means that our seniors may not be visited and that can spell disaster for those who live alone.
With the focus on Covid, the Alamo RC&D has canceled all their senior events that require getting together for the rest of the year. To avoid physical contact, they require all seniors, who are 55 or older and need assistance, to pre-register with the organization in order to receive their help. To do that, go to their website at alamorcd.org. Seniors can also email alamorcd@gmail.com or text 210-548-9248.
Alamo RC&D is still providing food and fans to pre-registered seniors at the semi-monthly Food Distributions held at Faith Tabernacle, located at 7789 FM 1283. These are Drive and Drop Senior Curbside Pantry events whereby participants will be given an appointment. When they arrive, they must remain in their cars and the food, and a fan if already requested, will be brought out to the vehicle. The next Food Distribution will take place on Thursday, August 6. The second Food Distribution in August will take place on Thursday, August 20.
As part of the Alamo RC&D Senior Relief Program, the organization works with Hill Country Daily Bread of Boerne, Silver Sage Senior Center in Bandera, Bandera County Produce Market in Lakehills, and Faith Tabernacle Church. Supporters are the San Antonio Area Foundation, Ruth and Perry Stevens Foundation, and the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country.
Alamo RC&D has provided over $35,000 in food and over $6,000 to pay monthly bills to local seniors since March this year. The bills cover, doctors, prescriptions, utilities, and more. They serve over 300 seniors who rely on them to eat and to cover those expenses that are difficult for them to pay.
The organization has a need for volunteers, especially with the twice monthly Food Distributions. There is always a need for funds to purchase the food and fans that are needed. Some of the foundations offer grant matching programs, which can be a huge help.
All Alamo RC&D programs are free and serve Bexar and surrounding counties, including Bandera County.
Alamo RC&D is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, that has served the central Texas area since 1993. To learn more, to donate, to volunteer, or to seek assistance, go to alamorcd.org or email alamorcd@gmail.com or call 210-548-9248. They can be found on Facebook and Twitter. ​