As Christmas approaches, local organizations and businesses in Sealy have stepped up to support the Sealy Christian Pantry, a vital resource for families in need. Recent contributions have come from groups such as the Sealy American Legion Post 442 and Auxiliary, Walmart Distribution Center (Sealy), and Sealy ISD, demonstrating the community’s generosity and commitment to helping others during the holiday season.
The Sealy American Legion Post 442 and Auxiliary recently conducted a food drive and presented the pantry with a generous $2,500 donation. The pantry expressed deep gratitude for the Legion’s continued support, noting how significant these contributions are to keeping the shelves stocked and helping local families. Pictured at the donation were Georgette Gaston, Kat Littmann (Auxiliary), Sherri Santoro, and Carol Oliver.
Another substantial effort came from the Walmart Distribution Center in Sealy, which held a Kid’s Food Drive as part of the pantry’s Karing 4 Kids program. This initiative, a collaboration between the pantry and Sealy ISD, focuses on providing “kid-friendly” food to stock mini-market closets at each campus. School counselors, nurses, and teachers discreetly distribute the food to children experiencing food insecurity at home. The Walmart team collected approximately a pallet of food, a significant contribution that will directly impact local children. Additionally, Walmart continues to donate food weekly to the pantry, further strengthening their partnership in combating hunger.
Sealy ISD, under the slogan “Tigers Are Collaborators”, also organized a successful hygiene drive during their Week of Giving. Donation boxes placed across campuses collected essentials such as toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and deodorant—items often considered “luxuries” for families struggling to make ends meet. Dr. Bryan Hallmark and Mary Gajewski of Sealy ISD delivered the donations, reinforcing the district’s ongoing commitment to supporting the pantry and local families in need.
The Sealy Christian Pantry has been a cornerstone of support in the community for 35 years. Founded in 1987 by six women with just $60, two local grocery partners, and a borrowed garage, the pantry has grown significantly to meet rising demand. In 1997, it moved into its own building on Ward Street and, by that year, had already served over 1,200 families. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 required major operational changes, prompting a move to LifeBridge Community Church, where a drive-thru distribution model peaked at serving 400 families per week.
Since the onset of the pandemic, the pantry has distributed over 5 million pounds of food, a testament to its critical role in addressing food insecurity in Sealy and surrounding areas. Now, with plans to build a 5,000-square-foot facility on Old San Felipe Road by the end of 2024, the pantry is preparing to expand its capacity and impact even further.
The recent donations reflect the community’s strong support of the pantry’s mission to demonstrate Christian love by providing food to people in need. Contributions like those from the Sealy American Legion, Walmart Distribution Center, and Sealy ISD ensure that families, especially during the holiday season, can access not only food but also hygiene essentials to maintain dignity and well-being.
For those interested in helping, the Sealy Christian Pantry welcomes donations and volunteers year-round. Community members or organizations can contact Sue Kristynik at (979) 885-3866 to learn more about how they can contribute.
As the Sealy Christian Pantry continues to grow, partnerships like these underscore the power of collaboration and generosity, especially during the holidays.
