San Antonio: 224,000-member Facebook group delivers flood aid

Cecilia Chavez directed flood relief supplies to residents of San Antonio’s Southwest Side using her Facebook group, 210 La Chismosa. The group, which has more than 224,000 followers, recently mobilized to assist families affected by flooding in the area.

Chavez discussed the group’s recent activities during an appearance on “Pickup Lines,” a digital talk show hosted by KSAT’s Ernie Zuniga. She explained how the platform evolved from a casual family chat into a resource for local support. The group now handles a high volume of requests that require constant attention.

Chavez grew up on San Antonio’s South and West sides. As a child, she contracted measles, resulting in hearing loss in one ear. Her family later moved to a Native American reservation in Nevada after a dispute over her son’s high school football eligibility. Her sons played football there, and one earned a scholarship.

The online group started during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chavez uploaded a Zoom recording of a conversation with her mother and aunt. “COVID hit and social media was really big. So I uploaded a Zoom meeting between me, my mom and my aunt and we were all gossiping and it just took off,” Chavez said. The video gained traction, and the group expanded to include many community members.

Managing the group is a full-time effort. “You wake up to it, you go to sleep to it,” Chavez said. She attributes her drive to help others to personal loss. Her son, Jose, died in a motorcycle crash in 2024. “It filled a void. It did. It definitely did,” Chavez said of her work with the group. “I want to help. I want to be there for people.”

Chavez plans to open a community resource center in the future. She maintains independence by declining sponsorship opportunities. Zuniga hosts “Pickup Lines” from his vehicle, featuring guests who share their personal and professional stories.