EL PASO, Texas - The 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, volunteered approximately 25 of its soldiers in order to further strengthen its partnership with El Paso's Kelly Memorial Food Pantry by sorting food, unloading food, stocking shelves with food, and making food baskets for eligible recipients, Sept. 4.
Though the partnership only began in June, 1-1 Cavalry's bi-monthly volunteering at the Kelly Memorial Food Pantry is important to many people on myriad levels.
"It is important for 1-1 Cav. to be partners within the El Paso Community," said Capt. Jesus Wallace, chaplain, 1-1 Cav. "El Paso gives a lot of support to our soldiers and as a squadron we want to give back."
The 1-1 Cav. 'Blackhawks' reciprocation of that which had previously been given them by El Paso has been deeply appreciated by Kelly Memorial Food Pantry.
"The soldiers volunteering at the food pantry have certainly been invaluable, especially on days when we have large shipments," said Gary Enge, shift superviser, Kelly Memorial Food Pantry. "On those days that it happens, it is really great to have all those hands to get stuff in, organized, and on the shelves and the baskets being made ready for the following day," Enge said.
Not only did the Kelly Memorial Food Pantry appreciate the labor donated by the 'Blackhawks,' but many of 1-1 Cav.'s soldiers gleaned an intrinsic boon from their volunteering.
"It has been awesome helping at the Kelly Memorial Food Pantry because not only do we get to fight the war on terrorism, but we also get the opportunity to help fight the war on hunger," Sgt. Lawrence Bradford, gunner team leader, A Troop, 1-1 Cav. "It feels good to give back to the community that gives so much to us. To me, as a person, you can give me all the medals and awards you like, but nothing is worth more than seeing someone smile when they get the help they need, and that's the biggest reward I get out of this: a thank you and a smile," Bradford said.
"The Kelly Memorial Food Pantry is intended to be grocery supplemental for low income residents of El Paso County," said Enge. "They need to meet the requirements of being low income and they need to be residents of El Paso County. Twice monthly, qualifying participants can come receive a basket of food. Quantity varies based upon supply. Whether the home is small or large, the amount is the same given to each household. Across the board the recipients are appreciative of the food pantry being there to help them literally make ends meet," he said.
Though it is likely that 1-1 Cav.'s relationship will only grow as they continue volunteering at Kellys Memorial Food Pantry, it is even more certain that the pantry and its qualifying recipients will still be in need of food and valuable man hours.
If you have donations of food or would like to volunteer, go to Kelly's Memorial Food Pantry at 915 N. Florence St. El Paso, Texas, during their business hours Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., and Saturday 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
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