President and CEO Stacie Rivers says the team is grateful for the outpouring of support since the pantry’s unexpected shutdown.
SAN ANTONIO — Ten days ago, the community watched as a Leon Valley food pantry closed its doors for what many feared would be the last time. Thursday, that story has a hopeful new chapter. Thanks to the generosity of a nearby church and the steady support of volunteers and neighbors, Rivers of Hope Ministries is back on its feet.
President and CEO Stacie Rivers says the team is grateful for the outpouring of support since the pantry’s unexpected shutdown.
“We are absolutely overjoyed. We couldn’t be more thankful,” Rivers said.
Nearly two weeks ago, the organization believed it was holding its final food distribution after a faulty heating unit sparked a fire at Grace Fellowship Baptist Church on the 7800 block of Eckhert Road. The pantry had been operating out of the church before the damage forced them out.
In the days that followed, community members stepped in to offer help.
“It’s just been one email and one phone call after another,” Rivers said.
After KENS 5’s earlier report aired, Rivers says dozens of people reached out offering donations, volunteer help and potential locations for the pantry. One of those calls came from Pastor Darwin Lowe, who visited the team in person the same day of their last distribution.
“Right after you guys left, he wanted to know how he could help — and offered to help us move our stuff,” Rivers said. “When he came back to move it, he said, ‘Why don’t we just move it to my church?’ And I was like, ‘OK!’”
Rivers says Grace Fellowship Baptist Church has also reached out, saying they may have a room available once repairs are made — raising the possibility that the pantry could eventually operate from two locations.
For now, she says the overwhelming support has been a reminder of the impact the pantry has had on the community.
“It’s really great to see that the people we’ve helped want to help us in our time of need,” Rivers said.
Rivers of Hope Ministries is preparing to resume distributions from its new church home as it continues its mission to serve families across the area.