Texas Chapter Donates Cargo Van to Laredo Regional Food Bank

Across the country, WoodmenLife chapters are making a difference in their communities. They look for a need and brainstorm how they can have the greatest impact.

Recently, Chapter 2364 in Laredo, TX, helped fulfill a major need by donating a cargo van to a local food bank. The gift will support the food bank’s work and help it serve more people for years to come.

Stepping Up

Over the years, Chapter 2364 has partnered with the Laredo Regional Food Bank, helping with food drives and providing groceries during the holiday season. Through this partnership, the chapter noticed that the food bank’s vehicle used to transfer food was small and only equipped with a trailer.

So the chapter decided to step up.

“Donating a cargo van was important to us,” said Luis Palacios, Secretary of Chapter 2364.

“I remember when they went to pick up food from the post office after a food drive we helped with. The cargo van they had was a lot smaller, and I worried about food falling off if they hit a bump in the road. I thought they could use something better.”

After selling its chapter hall, Chapter 2364 had funds available and wanted to support the food bank in a lasting way. Palacios led the effort to purchase a new, bigger van to transport food throughout the community.

The new van can hold three palettes of food in an enclosed space. It’s also decorated with the food bank’s logo and includes blank space for potential future advertisers.

A Gamechanger

Clarissa Quiroz, a supervisor at the Laredo Regional Food Bank, said the van has been a gamechanger for the organization.

“It’s amazing — it’s just beautiful,” she said. “The van has been very helpful because as we’re driving around town transporting food, we’re also promoting the food bank.”

Since receiving the van, Quiroz said, the food bank has hosted several distribution events for seniors, families, and others in the Laredo community. She noted that the van has been a focal point and a popular place for people to take photos.

Opening Doors

Palacios said it was important to chapter members to help fight hunger and to give back to the community in which they live.

“Our role as a chapter is to help out the community,” he said. “I was talking with some people at the food bank recently, and they said that the cargo van has made a big difference. The van is opening doors for the food bank — more revenue is coming in so they can continue to serve the community.

“A little kindness can have a big impact in our community.”

Written by: Cheyenne Alexis, Communications Strategist

Read More

Kerrville Playground Symbolizes Resilience Following 2025 Texas Floods

WoodmenLife Senior Days: Two-Stepping in Texas

WoodmenLife Celebrates Veterans by Assembling Breakfast Bags

WEB974