Category Archives: Non-Profit

Ways to Give Back with Food Bank RGV

Volunteers Miguel Angel Garza, Leonardo Molina and Maria Garcia sort goods, preparing them to be properly stored and await distribution.

The holidays are around the corner, reminding us of the countless blessings in our lives. For others, this may be a reminder of what they don’t have. Fortunately, there are several opportunities for the community to come together and give back to those in need. One of the ways we can aim to do so is by taking part in volunteering at Food Bank RGV.  “The RGV is just a…

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Rebuilding Homes and Lives

Two volunteers lay shingles on a new home build. (VBR)

In June of 2018, the Rio Grande Valley was hit by a storm of natural disaster proportions. Homes and businesses saw damage and some even complete destruction. People were left displaced and with little to nothing left in their possession.  As we know, disasters are not a planned or controlled situation. Many people are not financially, physically or mentally prepared for a disaster. Many times, people are at a loss…

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Building Fish Habitats

Concrete ties at the site of the reef. (Courtesy)

For the past five years, the local non-profit Friends of the RGV Reef has been working to restore and build up the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico. They wanted to ensure that there was a habitat to create a thriving population of fish in the area. Due to the efforts, Friends of RGV Reef was named a 2019 Conservation Wrangler by the Texan by Nature conservation. The honor acknowledges…

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Pours for Paws Takes Over September

Pours for Paws

September is going to the dogs (and cats) one pint glass at a time. Throughout this month, RGV Low Cost Spay Neuter Clinic hosts its Pours for Paws, selling $20 event pint glasses patrons can then use at 10 select RGV restaurants and breweries to enjoy one complimentary beer. The event also encourages people to “Enjoy each establishment’s food, local beer scene and pet-friendly patios all while supporting a great cause.…

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Clear the Shelter

Friendly pups wait anxiously for their forever family to adopt them.

For the rest of the month of August, The Laurie P. Andrews PAWS Center and Palm Valley Animal Center are hosting a “Clear the Shelter” event. With more than 100 dogs, and over 60 cats and kittens who need their forever homes, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the $10 adoption fee.  The $10 adoption fee includes the first series of vaccines, spay/neuter surgery, microchip, rabies shot, ID…

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“Fill the Bus” Accepting Donations Today

Setting up "Fill the Bus" are Mike Bigelow of Schlitterbahn, School Tools manager Erica Lechuga and RGV Food Bank Agency Referral Specialist Lynda Galvan.

The eighth annual “Fill the Bus” is going on today, Aug. 8, at the Shary H-E-B until 6:30 p.m. The one-day event accepts donations of school supplies and backpacks, with those making donations of a value of $25 receiving a free Schlitterbahn ticket. Donations of a value of $40 receive two free Schlitterbahn tickets. All donations benefit the school tools program through the RGV Food Bank. Channel 4 is serving…

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Finding New Life at a Shelter

Lilia Castillo Jones found a new professional life as executive director of the Humane Society of Harlingen. (courtesy)

Lilia Castillo Jones was coming off a 30-plus year career in the newspaper industry where she reached the highest levels of management. It was a work that had subsequently run its course. The Dallas native first came to the Rio Grande Valley in 2012 to become publisher of the Valley Morning Star in Harlingen. She would eventually go from that post to become the president of the El Paso Times. That…

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RGV Food Bank to Supply Free Produce

free produce

The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley will provide veterans with free fruits and vegetables Aug. 1. The produce distribution takes place via a drive-thru behind the McAllen VA Outpatient Clinic. From 8:30 a.m. – noon, veterans may receive the free fruits and vegetables while supplies last by presenting a valid VA identification card. This is necessary to confirm veteran status and receive free produce. Veterans should follow the signs and use the northeast entrance…

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Collaboration Improves Community Homes

Pastor Ricky Sanderford from First United Methodist Church McAllen blesses the family’s home at the completion of the service week. (VBR)

For 38 summers, youth from churches across the state have been visiting the Rio Grande Valley to participate in Mission Service Project. MSP is a week-long service opportunity where teenagers work with adult sponsors to improve a home for someone in need. This project began at the Mission United Methodist Church in 1981. It was inspired by a trip their group had attended in the Appalachian Mountains. They went on…

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Nonprofit Las Huellas Expands Reach

Fundraiser attendees hold a plate of shrimp during Las Huellas’ Crawfish and Shrimp Boil fundraiser. (VBR)

Restoring the wild turkey population in the Rio Grande Valley has been the chief goal of Las Huellas of South Texas, but the now decade-old nonprofit organization has become a benefactor for many others. In the 10 years since it broke away from the National Turkey Federation, Las Huellas has given out close to $800,000 to nonprofit entities needing infusions of money to implement their programs. Organization that have benefited…

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