CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Everyday transportation is something a lot of people take for granted in everyday life, but as employees with the Rural Economic Assistance League (REAL) see firsthand, it's a necessity that not many people can afford on their own - especially during the holiday season.
REAL Manager of Mobility Management Services Pam Hernandez said that while services are open to anybody who qualifies, elderly and disabled populations make up a good portion of their customers. She said that while they are busy across the board, there are key areas where they've noticed a growing need.
"We have really seen an increase in the Aransas County and Jim Wells County area," she said.
In order to meet that demand, Hernandez said she, along with the rest of the team, have had to adjust their hours from 5 a.m.-8 p.m. to accommodate the intense workload.
There will also be a new service called REAL Flash. Hernandez said that it functions similarly to Uber, but is more affordable.
"In Rockport-Fulton and Alice-Rancho Alegre they can go ahead and book their ride, get picked up in 30 minutes and be taken anywhere they need to go within that zone," she said.
Hernandez said that REAL doesn't just help with transportation but with food insecurity, as well, through a partnership with the Coastal Bend Food Bank.
"In our Alice food pantry we have roughly about 10 distribution dates a month and recipients can pick up at least once a week," she said.
Hernandez said the Alice food distributions have seen a 45-percent increase from last year. She said they went from serving 250 families a week to 330 families.
It's an act of service Alice resident Richard Gentry said he holds especially close to his heart.
"I had a stroke and a heart attack a while back ago and helping other people gets me out there to help myself, too," he said.
If you're interested in volunteering at any of the food distributions you can visit REAL's website.