(NOTE: We have critical needs for volunteers to move needed supplies to where migrants can use them. Please see our Volunteer Page for more information)
The Bus Station Ministry and our Bus Backpack Team were the first teams Rev. Kelly Allen and Lenna Baxter organized in 2014 when IWC was formed. For a time, families welcomed the stranger with orange nylon drawstring “backbags” from Whataburger. These days you will find the team filling sturdier backpacks with zippers, pockets, and padded straps at El Divino Salvador United Methodist Church on most Mondays.
And what a team! All work in the assembly line. IWC Board Member Moon also orders and delivers supplies, often with help from her husband Mike. Long-time volunteer Emily has made the rounds of IWC volunteer jobs, from cleaning at the Casa de Maria y Marta to bus station work to accompaniment. IWC volunteer Steve also delivers Food Bank meals to the bus station and helps his wife Sandy pack diapers there.
During the busy times prior to the pandemic, Carolyn was the team’s secretary, writing thank-you notes to people and groups who donated supplies. Mary is also a zoo docent, and she has never once confused her jobs and stuffed a Gila monster into a backpack!
Gene brings us blankets from the Methodist Disaster Relief Team; he also serves on the IWC Board and Executive Committee. Linda’s husband Larry often shows up to help. When the morning’s tasks are over, Moon and Mike deliver the completed backpacks to Travis Park Church and the bus station.
Every four to six weeks, Hilary and Mark deliver backpacks from the “Backpack Friends” assembly team in Kerrville.
Lenna, Jane, and Linda have served as backpack coordinators since the beginning of IWC in 2014, and all three continue to participate in the assembly.
Current Backpacks coordinator Linda says, “We have all worked together for a long time. We enjoy each other’s company and laugh a lot. We know what needs to be done and do it quickly and efficiently. We believe in what we do and consider it a privilege to offer comfort and support to the people who want to live in our country. We want them to feel welcome.”
