Potential donor frustrated by Lackland shelter policy

SAN ANTONIO – After a church youth group collected a trailer full of toiletries, clothing and other items for the unaccompanied minors at the Lackland shelter, Audra Miller said BCFS, formerly known as Baptist Child & Family Services, told them donations were not allowed at the government-run shelter.

"I don't like it very much and I don't quite understand it," Miller said. "We can help with what would cost the government less money if we were able to contribute."

She said initially, a BCFS staff member told her it might be possible, only to find out otherwise.

"Accepting bags of clothing and shoes and other goods can quickly turn into an operation in and of itself," said Krista Piferrer, BCFS spokeswoman, given their current workload.

She also said the agency's contract with U.S. Health and Human Services already covers the cost of those supplies.

Piferrer said each new arrival is given new clothing and shoes, but uniform-style to avoid any instances of jealousy over who was wearing what, especially among the teenagers.

As for volunteers, Piferrer said, "We're exclusively using full-time staff members who are credentialed and who have the background checks necessary to be on military bases."

But now, Patty Vela, a spokeswoman for Catholic Charities of San Antonio, said the longtime non-profit can be an outlet for the public's compassion and goodwill.

"We can provide them with food, clothing, water, toiletries because they're not limited by being on a military base," Vela said.

Vela said Catholic Charities is involved in assisting the shelters in McAllen and Laredo, on the front line of the humanitarian crisis.

"We can turn to our brothers and sisters at Catholic Charities and say, ‘We've got this stuff for you to hand out to the kids,'" Vela said.

She said items for children and teens already are pouring into their offices at 202 W. French in the Monte Vista Historical District.

Vela said the agency will accept donations for the Laredo and McAllen shelters from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

She said Catholic Charities is collecting Spanish-language Bibles, specifically requested by the Lackland shelter, as well as non-perishable food items, water, toiletries, clothing, undergarments and toys for the shelters in McAllen and Laredo.

Vela said they also will accept monetary contributions on their website.