By Claudia Perez Rivas | Kingsville Independent News
The Salvation Army Kingsville-Kleberg County has steadily grown over the past three years, working to meet what local leaders say is an increasing need for basic assistance across the community.
The effort is led by Associate Pastor of Kingsway Family Church and Salvation Army Kingsville-Kleberg County Director Steve Martinez, whose connection to the organization goes back to his own childhood.
“I always supported Salvation Army because I was one of those kids,” Martinez said. “This organization helped my family when we needed it. Now I get to help others.”
Martinez first moved to Kingsville four years ago to serve with Kingsway Family Church. As he learned about the community, he searched for a local Salvation Army to continue his mission, only to discover there wasn’t an active chapter in Kingsville.
He contacted the organization and learned a Kingsville account had existed for years but had never been activated. With the support of the church, he helped launch a local chapter operating out of the church campus.
Food assistance grows as demand surges
“The first thing we did is set up a food pantry,” Martinez said. “There’s a big demand and a lot of need.”
The food pantry now serves around 100 families weekly, and more than 200 families were assisted during the last week of November alone. Martinez estimates the organization helps between 1,500 and 2,000 people every month in Kleberg County.
The pantry operates every Monday at 5 p.m. at Kingsway Family Church, and volunteers arrive at 2:30 p.m. to prepare food boxes. The pantry recently moved to the church gym to accommodate long lines — residents often begin lining up as early as noon.
“We work with the Coastal Bend Food Bank, Walmart, and H-E-B as well as other organizations,” Martinez said. “Canned goods, rice, and beans are always needed.”
More than food: clothing, furniture & warmth
To meet additional needs, Martinez expanded services to include a clothing closet offering clothing, furniture, and household items for struggling families, adding that donated furniture pick up can be arranged when needed.
“We help families with furniture, clothing — whatever we can,” Martinez said.
With colder weather arriving, the group is collecting coats, blankets, and heaters to help families stay warm. Even small donations can make a big difference.
“I had a single mom come in who said, ‘I just need a heater. It’s cold for my little ones,’” he said. “We try to help with things like that — everyday needs.”
A Salvation Army Thrift Store is also planned to open within the next month. Unlike other thrift operations, Martinez emphasized that all proceeds will directly support Kleberg County families.
Soup kitchen and holiday support
Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., volunteers operate a weekly soup kitchen that serves nearly 100 hot meals.
During the holidays, the group also supports families through its annual Angel Tree project. Children are “adopted” by community members who purchase clothing and a toy to ensure they have gifts for Christmas. Angel Trees are currently available at Walmart and at the church.
Martinez said the need is growing.
“We have a lot of families getting evicted or that don’t have light in their homes,” he said. “People on fixed incomes also need help. Our goal is to give hope to the community — wherever the needs are, we try to be there.”
Bell ringers needed
The biggest fundraiser of the year, the annual red kettle drive is underway outside Walmart through January 1.
“All the funding that we get at Walmart comes back to help families in our community here in Kleberg County,” Martinez said.
Volunteers are needed daily to ring bells.
“Every time we don’t put somebody out there, we’re missing about $340 a day,” he said. “We’re in this together. We’re here to help people out.”
How to get involved
Kingsway Family Church — Salvation Army Office
Open Monday–Friday | 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Food Pantry
Mondays • 5 p.m. (Volunteers needed at 2:30 p.m.)
Soup Kitchen
Wednesdays • 6:30 p.m.
Bell Ringing at Walmart
Now through Jan. 1 — volunteers welcome
Angel Tree Adoption
Available at Walmart & Kingsway Family Church
Donations of canned food, coats, blankets, heaters, clothing, and furniture are always appreciated. Pickup is available for large items.
For more information or to volunteer, contact the Salvation Army Kingsville-Kleberg County at Kingsway Family Church located at 1727 Senator Carlos Truan Blvd, Kingsville, TX at 361-592-5132 or call Director Steve Martinez at 956-292-5129
“We appreciate this church,” Martinez said. “Kingsway Family Church has been a blessing to us — whatever we need, they help us. We’re here to serve this community, and there is a need for sure.”