More than 200 seniors received food and supplies at a drive-through pantry Wednesday in Lancaster. The St. Vincent Center has been hosting senior pantries for two years.
The North Texas Food Bank provided groceries for people over 55, and volunteers with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of North Texas loaded the food into cars along with adult wipes, soap, seat cushions and chocolates donated by Wal-Mart.
"You can't beat them," one woman said as she waited in line. "They're friendly, kind, smile, make you laugh."
"That's a blessing because it helps me," another said. "They seem like they know what helps."
The center in Lancaster started "People and Nutrition Day" two years ago. Chief Executive Luis Gonzalez says it started with about 15 seniors coming. Wednesday, more than 200 came through.
"The way we look at it is what would we want to give to our parents?" he says. "If it was Mom and Dad in the car, what would be nice for them to have? We try to think of things they wouldn't normally think of for themselves just as a way to respect their dignity and show we care."
Gonzalez says the event provides fresh produce and non-perishable food. He says the Society of St. Vincent de Paul helped 87,000 North Texans across nine counties.
The organization says it helps prevent homelessness through short-term financial and emotional support. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul also refers people to other organizations "to reach the goal of self-sufficiency."
"We're really grateful for our volunteers here. They've created such a warm, friendly environment. We had somebody just tell us it feels like a place we can call, 'home,'" Gonzalez says.
He says the Society of St. Vincent de Paul's greatest need is funding followed by volunteers. More information is available here.