224,000 members of San Antonio gossip group deliver flood supplies

Residents on San Antonio's Southwest Side recently received material aid from an online network of more than 224,000 people. The group, known as 210 La Chismosa, was created by Cecilia Chavez to share local information. Chavez described the platform as a tool for community support rather than just conversation.

Chavez discussed the group's recent flood relief efforts during an appearance on Pickup Lines, a digital talk show hosted by KSAT's Ernie Zuniga. The show is recorded from Zuniga's vehicle and features interviews with local residents and business owners. Chavez explained how her personal history influenced the group's current focus on assisting neighbors in need.

The Facebook group originated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chavez uploaded a video of a Zoom call where she, her mother, and her aunt were sharing gossip. The clip gained widespread attention, and the audience grew from that initial family interaction. Chavez stated that she now manages the group around the clock.

"You wake up to it, you go to sleep to it," Chavez said regarding the constant demand of the platform. The group's activities have expanded beyond sharing news to include tangible support for local families. Chavez noted that the platform allows her to help people directly.

Chavez grew up on San Antonio's South and West sides. She said she was raised by strong Latina women. A childhood case of measles left her with hearing loss in one ear. Later, a dispute over her son's high school football eligibility led the family to move to a Native American reservation in Nevada. Her sons eventually played football, and one earned a scholarship.

The group's recent work assisting flood victims on the Southwest Side is part of Chavez's ongoing efforts. She said helping others provided a renewed sense of purpose after her son Jose died in a motorcycle crash in 2024. "It filled a void. It did. It definitely did," Chavez said. "I want to help. I want to be there for people."

Chavez aims to open a community resource center in the future. She maintains her independence by declining certain sponsorship opportunities. The group continues to function as a primary channel for local information and support in San Antonio.