224,000 members of San Antonio Facebook group send flood supplies

A local Facebook group with over 224,000 followers delivered supplies to flood victims in San Antonio this week.

Cecilia Chavez, the administrator of the page known as 210 La Chismosa, organized the relief effort for residents on the Southwest Side. The group originally started as a platform for sharing local news and personal stories. Chavez grew up on the South and West sides of the city. She attended school in the area and remained connected to the community throughout her adult life.

The group’s origins trace back to the early days of the pandemic. Chavez recorded a video call with her mother and aunt where they discussed local events. She uploaded the clip to the internet, and the audience grew quickly. The page became a hub for community information. Chavez noted that the constant flow of messages requires daily attention. She described the workload as a 24-hour commitment that starts with waking up and ends with going to sleep.

Personal loss has influenced Chavez’s work with the group. Her son Jose died in a motorcycle crash in 2024. She said that managing the platform helped her process that grief. The opportunity to assist neighbors provided a sense of direction after his death. She has also faced challenges with her children’s education and athletic eligibility. One of her sons earned a football scholarship after the family moved to a reservation in Nevada.

Chavez recently coordinated aid for families displaced by flooding in the Southwest Side. The group provided necessary supplies to those affected. She is currently planning to open a physical community resource center. This location would serve as a gathering place for residents. Chavez maintains that she values her independence and has declined sponsorship offers to keep the group free from outside influence.

She appeared on the digital talk show Pickup Lines to discuss these events. The show is hosted by Ernie Zuniga and features guests from various walks of life. Chavez shared her background, including a hearing loss in one ear resulting from a childhood case of measles. She continues to use the platform to connect neighbors and share information about local needs.

The group’s recent focus on flood relief marks a shift from general conversation to direct assistance. Chavez stated that she wants to be there for people. The 224,000 members now look to her for updates and help during emergencies.