Fish for Life delivers 3,500 pounds of free wild game meat to families in need

Diana Crespo, joined by her dog, Max, couldn't help smiling as she made the walk from her front door to the edge of her driveway in the morning cold.

Crespo was one of many residents in need who received free wild game meat from Fish for Life Corpus Christi on Saturday.

"I was so excited when I got the call that they were coming," Crespo said. "This is great because this time is very hard for a lot of people. I'm grateful."

The organization, with the help of 24 volunteers, partnered with four local ranches to deliver nearly 3,500 pounds of wild game meat to families in the Allen Elementary School community.

"Knowing that we are making an impact right here at home is so important," Fish for Life board member Ashleigh Thomas said. "Being able to be a part of helping kids in the community outside of the classroom has been a blessing."

The delivery marked the second straight year Fish for Life has donated wild game to the community. This year, the organization increased its total meat donation by 1,000 pounds because of the overwhelming support from the community.

The mix of nilgai, deer and elk was donated by Dancing Elk Ranch, Four Amigos Ranch, La Manada Hunting Club and Lost Coyote Ranch. With those donations, Fish for Life will be able to reach its goal of serving 200 families this spring.

Thomas said Fish for Life hopes to make the wild game delivery an annual event.

"The opportunity to help out my students is what keeps me coming to events like this," said Josie Garza, parent liaison for Allen Elementary School. "This is a great opportunity for them."

Garza said she got her counselors together and selected families they believed could use the extra food.

"I feel blessed to be able to give to these families who need it most," Garza said.

Saturday's delivery was the first of two wild game deliveries Fish for Life has scheduled this spring.

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Christopher Howley covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Support more coverage like this at Caller.com/subscribe.

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Fish for Life gives 3,500 pounds of wild game meat to families in need