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ALTON — Needs are rising in the Rio Grande Valley, which is more evident when families like this humble Western Hidalgo County household open their doors to The Monitor.

It’s clear to see when walking in that the Flores family is cold in their new albeit small apartment, being in dire need of a heater and some winter clothing.

Margarita Alvarez, the mother of the household, stays positive and says the family of five sticking together has created the warmth they need to live as comfortably as possible.

But the family — which includes the father, Jesus Flores Garcia, and three children, Jesus, 8, Mia, 11, and the oldest, Karen, 23 — has many challenges they’re facing that extend beyond the holiday season.

For instance, Mia has been diagnosed with spina bifida and has used a wheelchair since she was little. She attends Mission schools with Jesus but has to rely on an electric and manual wheelchair that are in desperate need of repair or new parts.

And Margarita said that with the family moving just last week, they now face another problem. Living at the end of a long dirt driveway, Mia’s wheelchairs struggle to reach the end when the school bus comes around to pick her up.

The stress from all the bumps and rough terrain just tore apart some of the wheelchair that were fortunately repaired but could still use some love, and her electric wheelchair is having some difficulties as well and in need of repair.

Her mother worries about Mia needing a new wheelchair to make moving around and transporting her daughter easier, especially given that she has as many as three to five medical appointments per week. Some appointments require Mia to go to Corpus Christi or San Antonio.

Mia’s constant appointments make having a full-time job for Margarita difficult since caring for her daughter has become a full-time job. Still, she does what she can when she has availability. Margarita previously worked at a flea market with afternoon and evening hours, but fewer people have been attending the pulga in recent months.

She says the family’s grateful to move into a more adequate space for the family, but said there are still several things the family will need for the winter months, such as a pair of heaters to warm up the house, winter clothing for the children and an in-home washing machine.

With only the father working in the household, Margarita was emotional talking about their situation and especially for Christmas, of which they don’t have much to celebrate with gifts.

Regardless, she said they’re grateful.

“While we’re together as a family, everything is perfect,” she said. “Don’t expect presents or toys because we’re limited but while we’re together, everything is fine.”

The United Way of South Texas is collecting contributions for the family, which will receive 100% of all donations. You can help them by calling the United Way of South Texas at (956) 686-6331 and ask about the Spirit of Christmas campaign. You can also contact Velma Garcia of United Way via email at vgarcia@unitedwayofsotx.org, if you’re interested in adopting a family of three to eight members, in need of basic items, such as dishes, clothing, shoes, socks, toys, small appliances, foods, minor home repairs, etc.

The post Wheelchairs, warmth and compassion — This tight-knit Alton family could use them all appeared first on MyRGV.com.