TVEC Gives Generously to Help Feed Students in Need

TVEC Public Relations Representative Kari Wilmeth (left) presents a check for $3,000 to Athens ISD Parent Liaison Yadira Chairez (center) and AISD Federal Programs Director Diana Vaughn. The grant will be used to help support the Hornet Backpack Program, which provides nutritional meals and snacks to children enrolled in Athens ISD whose primary source of food is the school cafeteria.
TVEC Public Relations Representative Kari Wilmeth (left) presents a check for $3,000 to Athens ISD Parent Liaison Yadira Chairez (center) and AISD Federal Programs Director Diana Vaughn. The grant will be used to help support the Hornet Backpack Program, which provides nutritional meals and snacks to children enrolled in Athens ISD whose primary source of food is the school cafeteria.

By Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Specialist

Hungry children who are students of Athens ISD will continue to be able to take food home through the Hornet Backpack Program, thanks in part to a generous $3,000 grant from the TVEC Charitable Foundation.

The Hornet Backpack Program — which is entirely funded by donations — provides nutritional meals and snacks to children enrolled in Athens ISD whose primary source of food is the school cafeteria. In other words, children who would otherwise eat nothing or very little outside of school are given food to take home with them for the weekend.

The Trinity Valley Electric Cooperative Charitable Foundation is funded by donations from Operation Round Up, a voluntary program that allows TVEC members to round up their monthly electric bills to the next whole dollar. The rounded portion goes to the foundation to be used to fund grant requests to local charitable organizations or efforts, such as the Hornet Backpack Program.

Athens ISD has approximately 3,300 students. Of those, some 76 percent are considered economically disadvantaged. Through the East Texas Food Bank, it costs $162 to sponsor a child in the Hornet Backpack Program for one school year. Students in the program range from elementary to high school, many of whom are considered homeless. At this time, there are approximately 40 students enrolled in Athens ISD who are, by definition, homeless. “Homeless” is defined within the school district as an individual who lacks regular and adequate nighttime residency. That would include two or three families living in the same location, or a family that lives in a shelter or a hotel.

“They really do need the food,” said school counselor Cheri Mahan. “A lot of their basic needs of life are met here, in the schools. This is their safe place.”

Funding is still being sought for the Hornet Backpack Program. Will you, your business, or organization consider giving? Any amount great or small would be greatly appreciated. To give, please contact Yadira Chairez at 903-677-6913 or email her at [email protected].