When Audrey Hindlet, Clinic Administrator at Gulfgate Clinic, planned a team-building activity for Kelsey-Seybold Clinic – Gulfgate providers and staff, she never anticipated how moving it would be.
Providers and staff boxed and passed out food at the "We Are One" food drive on June 11 in support of The Foundation for Black Heritage and Culture. This organization has hosted a food drive every weekend since the start of the pandemic back in 2020, and Audrey had been hoping for an opportunity like this to connect clinic staff with the Gulfgate community.
"I think it was helpful for the community to see that Gulfgate Clinic personnel want to be involved," Audrey said. "Opportunities like these increase our visibility in the community, and they are also a way to support the community outside of the clinic."
Administrative Coordinator Janice Berry helped Audrey plan the day. As it got closer to June 11, excitement around the clinic began to grow, she said.
"It was great to be out there. Everyone in our community loves Kelsey-Seybold, so they loved seeing us there," Janice said.
Gulfgate Clinic participants were joined by other volunteer groups for the food drive. Together, they helped over 600 people.
Some Gulfgate Clinic staff also brought family members to volunteer.
"I'm always looking for things to do with my 13-year-old son," said Leticia Coronado, Retail Pharmacy Manager. "He is in Boy Scouts, so he needs service hours. I'm also trying to teach him compassion and empathy."
Leticia was glad she and her son volunteered.
"I'm proud of how many Kelsey-Seybold employees came out to help those in need," she said.
Although the food drive didn't start until 11 a.m., volunteers arrived at 9 a.m. to pack the boxes of food – and already a line of cars was forming. That image is what moved Veronica Garza, PA-C, the most that day.
"People sat in line for hours while we set up," Veronica said. "It was a good reminder that we all need help at some point in our lives. Even though what we did that day was small, it made a difference in someone's life."
