San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
Soon-to-reopen food pantry provided by E. Side church gets restocked in drive
On Saturday morning, the Rev. Kenneth R. Kemp and his wife, Velma Kemp, greeted a line of motorists bearing food and monetary donations to replenish the long-operating food pantry at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. The pastor and his wife spoke to each driver who pulled into the parking lot across from the church, filled with volunteers and members of the congregation.
“Thank you so much,” Velma Kemp said to motorists. “Blessings to you.”
Each donor was then directed to another station to receive one of 500 barbecues plates for their contribution. More than 30 people collected canned goods and other nonperishables from drivers as the morning sun heated the blacktop parking lot.
“Today is a day of fellowship and outreach to people who are hurting as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Kenneth Kemp said. “It’s a time of renewal and a time of making sure that people who are having problems get relief.”
Antioch and Gallien Electric & Construction co-hosted the food drive in support of the food pantry once run by Erna Baker, who died recently from complications of the coronavirus.
Lorenzo Baker, 75, said the food pantry was more than a job for his wife — it was her legacy. He recalled how she would go into her closet to clothe those in need. Baker said that on more than one occasion, his wife had him deliver bags of food to people who weren’t able to make it to the church pantry.
“She gave to all,” Baker said. “She had a giving heart and a giving spirit. There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for the people on the East Side.”
Kemp and his wife said the church will rename the food pantry in honor of Erna Baker. The food pantry will reopen Wednesday.
“We’re just trying to make a difference in the community,” Velma Kemp said. “It’s all about community.”
Kresskala Stewart, 49, and
Sharon Janice, 55, handed out plastic-bagged barbecue plates to drivers after they dropped off their donations. They carried plates to those getting along on walkers.
They both greeted congregation member Sarah McAfee, 84, who drove up to the food station after giving a monetary donation to the church pantry.
“This is very important and special,” she said, as the duo placed her plate through the rolled-down passenger side window.
As cars exited onto North Walters, members of the Black Contractors of San Antonio carried and loaded produce and goods. John Janice Jr., vice president of Gallien Electric & Construction, worked with the volunteers and security personnel to keep traffic flowing at the parking lot.
He said they felt it was vital to restock the food pantry, which was closed because of restrictions from the coronavirus.
“Even though COVID stopped us from doing a lot of things, life didn’t stop at all,” said Janice, 37. “There are still people that are hungry and need assistance from the community. We just felt it in our hearts to get out there and be a blessing to others.”