HCESD 48 to donate meals to Katy Christian Ministries

By George Slaughter, News Editor
Posted 12/23/21

Harris County Emergency Services District 48 first responders will donate about 700 ready-to-eat meals to Katy Christian Ministries.

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HCESD 48 to donate meals to Katy Christian Ministries

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Harris County Emergency Services District 48 first responders will donate about 700 ready-to-eat meals to Katy Christian Ministries.

The district had approximately 1,900 such meals, called MREs. District officials planned to make a donation following tornado incidents which took place earlier this month in and around Mayfield, Ky.

But Lia Hales, the district’s community relations coordinator, said that Mayfield authorities reported having received approximately 30,000 MREs from across the country. The district looked at a nearby town, Cayce, and planned to donate some MREs there. However, a tornado destroyed the volunteer fire department where the district hoped to send some MREs.

She said the district was disappointed in that it couldn’t make a donation to those affected by the tornadoes. At the same time, she said, the district is happy to keep its focus on serving the local area. The district expects to donate the MREs to Katy Christian Ministries this week, with the rest going to other area organizations.

Jerry Hales, Lia’s husband and a retired U.S. Marine, knows about MREs. He said a MRE today consists of everything one needs for daily living, including food and toilet paper. He said today’s MREs have improved since his service, which was from 1984-88.

“The meals are infinitely better today,” Jerry Hales said. “Each one is different. You might have a grilled chicken patty. Is it something you want to eat every day? No. But on the fly? Absolutely.”

Lia Hales remembered what the meals were like back then. She said Jerry got her to try one.

“They were awful back then,” Lia Hales said.

The MREs come at an important time. Deysi Crespo, Katy Christian Ministries executive director, said food is the biggest need for families during the holidays.

“Food is definitely a need for food for many families,” Crespo said. “It is one of many issues we tackle.”

While food is the biggest need, Crespo said help for rent and mortgage payments are the second biggest need.

“We have been able to be there for the families and address the need,” Crespo said. “We are looking forward to seeing what 2022 will be able to show. We are hoping our community will continue to recover. Many families have lost jobs due to COVID-19 or lost income.”

Crespo said donations are still being accepted, whether it be food, clothing or other supplies, or through financial donations.

“We are asking the community for canned goods,” Crespo said. “We average serving about 85 families on average per day, but the numbers go up during the holidays.”

Crespo said she is hopeful about what 2022 will bring,

“I don’t know what 2022 is going to look like, but I am definitely hopeful we’re going to meet the needs of our community,” Crespo said. “Crisis or no crisis, I just love how our community comes together and shows a spirit of unity in helping our neighbors in need.”

She also praised the district for its donation.

“With their partnership, it helps us make a greater impact,” Crespo said.

HCESD 48, Katy Christian Ministries