According to LULAC President Patricia Reyna, the giveaway was first held at her sister's house and serviced 48 families. With donations from surrounding churches, last year they were able to help 267 children.
"We scheduled the giveaway last year from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and we were out of supplies by 11 a.m.," she said. "We are expecting an even bigger turnout this year."
With the help of Glad Tidings Assembly of God, First United Methodist Fellowship Class and individual donors, LULAC has been able to purchase $2,000 worth of supplies for children. Reyna says that school supplies will be available for students of all ages. The giveaway will continue until supplies run out and parents are advised to get there early to ensure their children receive supplies.
"I've received many calls concerning this event. I've even received calls from people that do not live in Altus, and they are all welcome to come," Reyna said. "Parents should be there at 10, we will not open until 10, but they should be ready because once they're gone, they're gone."
LULAC keeps a record of all the families it services and furnishes a copy to the school system, so parents will have to fill out an information form providing the names and number of children they have.
Reyna says that in the future she would like to offer free haircuts along with the school supplies to those in need of them. She is hoping to get businesses to donate their time in order to achieve that.
"I am hoping to make it even bigger," she said. "I hope that we can get more donations to offer this service each semester, but at this time it will be a yearly event."
Anyone interested in information about the school supply giveaway or the LULAC organization can call 471-0920.
"The school supply giveaway is for needy families, regardless if they are Hispanic or not," she said. "I get a lot of calls regarding that, and it does not matter your race. LULAC is here to help families in need."
Post a Comment
