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Local charities scramble to keep up during pandemic

Faith-based groups are scrambling to keep up with demands as they help the homeless during the pandemic.
Posted at 10:57 AM, Nov 27, 2020
and last updated 2020-11-27 11:58:30-05

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The pandemic has taken a toll on area charities, but many continue to find ways to help those in need.

The Salvation Army and Mother Teresa Shelter continue providing warm meals and other necessities for anyone who needs help this holiday season, as they did for Thanksgiving.

And both charities are still determined to do so though both - like many others - have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

“It’s been a difficult year,” said Capt. Patrick Gesner of the Salvation Army. “We had to furlough several employees at our family store, cause the family store stopped making money. It was at the beginning of COVID and we did not know how dangerous or how the virus spread."

Warren Phipps, executive director of Catholic Charities and the Mother Teresa Shelter said the pandemic has heightened the demand for their help that already was imperative across the Coastal Bend.

“We always need more,” Phipps said. “We never have resources to serve everyone’s wishes, but we are blessed with very generous donors."

Both charities say people have stepped up during the pandemic by making more donations.

You can learn more about helping the local Salvation Army chapter here and the Mother Teresa Shelter here.