Volunteers hope to collect 1,200 bags of food

Volunteers in Texas City and La Marque are going to try to collect 1,200 bags of groceries Saturday for 600 low-income senior citizens.

The bags of food will be distributed to 500 seniors from across the county next month at a holiday party at the Doyle Convention Center. The food also will be taken to about 100 seniors who are not able to leave their homes.

“We are asking people to adopt a senior,” Kevin Yackly, owner of Grand Prize Barbecue and an organizer of the event, said. He and other organizers of the Galveston County Senior Share Holiday Program are asking people to buy a present for a low-income senior or to volunteer to wait on tables at the holiday party.

“We hope to give each senior two sacks of food,” he said. “But first, we have to collect the food.”

On Saturday, members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Rotarians from La Marque and Texas City, Cub Scouts, National Guardsmen and other volunteers will collect food at H-E-B and Kroger Food Store in Texas City and at Walmart in La Marque.

Yackly is providing a plate of barbecue for those who donate a bag of groceries at those sites.

He said he was hoping people would sort through their pantries or would donate a gift card.

The food will be distributed at the party Dec. 16. County Judge Jim Yarbrough will be emcee. School choirs and the Pee Wee Bowen Band will perform.

Yackly said organizers hope to give each of the 600 senior citizens a gift. Several businesses have agreed to contribute.

Organizers are asking donors for a $25 unisex gift. Items may be dropped off at Grand Prize Barbecue, 2223 Palmer Highway; Baypoint Community Church, 2801 Palmer Highway; Amoco Federal Credit Union, 2300 Texas Ave.; or the Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce, 9702 E.F. Lowry Expressway.

Volunteers are needed, including waiters who can serve hot meals to the seniors, Yackly said. Those who would like to volunteer may call him at 281-389-7590.

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At A Glance

WHAT: Food drive for the Galveston County Senior Share Holiday Program

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: H-E-B, 918 21st St. N., Texas City; Kroger Food Store, 3541 Palmer Highway, Texas City; Walmart, 6410 Interstate 45, La Marque

DETAILS: Grand Prize Barbecue is offering a plate of barbecue to those who donate a sack of groceries

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WHAT: Galveston County Senior Share Holiday Program

WHEN: 11 a.m. Dec. 16

WHERE: Doyle Convention Center, 2010 Fifth Ave. N.

DETAILS: Entertainment includes music by school choirs and by the Pee Wee Bowen Band