Nancy Coffer, Bonnie and Michael Langford, and Judy and Jim Ritchie prepare backpacks for immigrants at the airport.
Twice a month or more, as needed, this hardy, hearty troupe meets at University Presbyterian Church to assemble several hundred backpacks for migrant individuals and families leaving San Antonio by plane. For their trip of several hours, the airport backpack contains fewer items than IWC’s famous stuffed bus backpacks, but they clearly express the welcome we wish to give to everyone.
Before the team arrives, Barbara Edens and sometimes husband, Charles deliver the backpacks and set up an assembly line around the tables. The “A-Team” (Yes, “A” for “Airport!”) opens boxes, cuts off tags, and inserts peanut butter crackers, granola bars, gummy fruit treats and a small stuffed animal into each one.
At the airport, people who have come from Karnes, Dilley, or Pearsall excitedly clear out their detention center tote bag and fill their new backpack with clothing and personal items. That frees up one hand for them, and leaves us with the tote bags. The team then uses the totes to hold empty backpacks, ready to fill during the next shift.
Our work at the airport was begun about six years ago by Paula Henderson, and, apart from a COVID 19 break, has continued with bright hopes for future increases. With more volunteers, we could deliver backpacks and serve more hours and more people at San Antonio International.
