By Lorenzo Salinas

l.v.salinas@panews.com

 

Despite the relentless heat of an ostensible autumn day, church members and assorted volunteers stood out under the midday sun to hand out donations and to offer help in any way they could—even if it was with a simple wave and smile.

Flagging down drivers on 9^th Avenue and Lake Arthur Drive, members of Iglesia ni Christo (INC), or Church of Christ, offered residents and those hit by Harvey free care packages in the parking lot of the YMCA Port Arthur. The event was well-attended by volunteers and recipients alike, as parking was at a premium and the members wearing white were a sea of shining good will.

“It’s one of the things we do for the church, these charity events,” Rex Rosquites, minister with INC, said. “Especially for those affected by calamities.”

Rosquites noted that while giving out care packages might not be a lot for the heavy losses suffered by Port Arthur residents, it was still something and “every little bit helps.”

Included in the care packages were goods and supplies like noodles, oatmeal, canned foods, laundry detergent, shampoo and flashlights.

According to Rosquites, events like these happen on a regular basis through INC, wherein the church and its members help out in 139 countries around the world. In fact, the Port Arthur event was one of three occurring simultaneously in Texas between coordinated efforts of 400 to 500 volunteers. The other events were in Sugarland and Houston.

“It’s from 10 a.m. until we run out of supplies,” Rosquites said.

The care packages were a result of donations given exclusively by the church and its members.

“We’re not a big corporation,” Rosquites said. “What we have comes from our brothers and sisters of the church. It’s completely funded by the church.”

He said, “What we’re giving out may not be enough, but… we’re here to do the best we can.”

One of the volunteers was Katrina Portillo, a senior at Memorial High School and a member of the National Honor Society.

“I’m just here to help the community,” she said.

Portillo was one of several Honor Society volunteers from MHS donating their time and efforts to the drive. It was an effort that didn’t go unnoticed by Port Arthur resident Lisa Baker.

“I was driving past, going to do something at the house, and I saw a sign,” Baker said, referring to the students holding up signs at passing cars. “They said it was free.”

Carrying out two care packages, Baker seemed in good spirits.

“God is good. Wherever He is, good works will follow.”