By CATHERINE DONNELLY
Special to the PRESS
With a cold snap descending upon the lower Rio Grande Valley last weekend, the Cameron County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office gave out more than 200 coats, jackets and cold weather gear to families right here in our community, according to Constable Norman W. Esquivel, Jr.’s Facebook page. Families who needed the jackets came to the office at 505 Texas Highway 100 in Port Isabel and were given new and gently used cold weather gear in the sizes they needed.
“Our office has great relationships and partnerships with local businesses and churches,” said Esquivel. “These coats and jackets were donated by OneTwo Church, Renew, Knights of Columbus Olmito Chapter 13978 and many individuals right here in our neighborhoods who found it in their heart to give back to those in need.”
With the local temperatures suddenly dropping down to the 30s, causing concerns for plants, animals, and humans, many citizens have been caught without the proper warm clothing for them or their families to weather these few cold and blustery days. The forecast predicts it will be back up into the 60s for the weekend and back to the 70s for next week.
“I ran into Norman W. Esquivel Jr. today in Port Isabel trying to buy coats for those in our community who need them in these temperatures. There were none. I called Allan Thompson to see if he could come open up Renew. He did (in shorts and flip-flops) and loaded Norman’s truck with all the jackets they had and would not take any money for any of them! I love this community so much,” said Nathan Hubble in a Facebook post.
When gratitude is extended to Esquivel, he states, “It’s pure service from the heart.”
“I want to thank God for allowing us to serve our community in this capacity. I would also like to thank all of the individuals from our community who made it all possible,” said Esquivel.