As Garland ISD families continue to recover from the devastating Dec. 26 tornado, others throughout the district, area and even country continue to help. They host collection drives and make donations, offering financial assistance, clothing, gift cards and more.
Perhaps one of the most interesting examples of support comes from Oklahoma. Herfurth Elementary School received an email from a principal there after the storm blew a parent letter across state lines.
“While tending our cattle, my husband and I found a note from Herfurth Elementary dated 2012 among other debris,” wrote Karen Hedgecock from Colbert West Ward Elementary. “When I Googled the school name, I was in disbelief that it had to have been brought to us by the tornado that devastated your town.
We know there are many basic needs to be met, and I would like for our elementary to assist if possible.”
A few weeks later, Herfurth received a package full of socks, uniforms, belts and gift cards.
“Our students and staff have really enjoyed putting together this care package for you,” said Hedgecock in a letter she included. “We enclosed the tattered note that landed near my home in Bokchito, Okla. It sure traveled a great distance and moved a lot of little people to show kindness and generosity. Best wishes to everyone at Herfurth Elementary.”
Coming together across the district, GISD’s Children’s Chorus raised money for three of its members through a benefit concert Feb. 19. The group represents several elementaries and dozens of fourth and fifth-graders. Partnering with the local chapter of Beta Zeta Epsilon Sigma Alpha to host a Children Helping Children event every year, proceeds from ticket sales usually benefit St. Jude Hospital. This year, $3,780 was donated to the families of Kylie Smith, Hailey Medoff and Greg Olivares.
“It was really generous,” commented Kylie’s mother Ashley. “They’ve got us down to support beams and we are rebuilding. We lost everything inside the house, so this is furniture and beds and stuff.”
Austin Academy for Excellence is also taking care of its own. Fifty-three orchestra members performed in the recent Classical Music Benefit Concert. Donations were accepted during the event, and more than $1,400 was raised for eight Austin Academy families affected by the storm.
“We are amazed and proud of what our students accomplished,” said orchestra teacher Jane Samford.
Information provided by Garland ISD.
Photos courtesy of Jessica Hicks and Jane Samford.