SBEF Harvey Relief Fund Continues to Grow

As Fund increases, SBISD families receive more help

Spring Branch Education Foundation’s Harvey Relief Fund continues to help Spring Branch ISD families displaced by flooding. By October 23, the Fund had reached $485,244, according to SBEF Executive Director Cece Thompson.

“When we started this Fund in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, we had no idea of the needs we would encounter or the generosity of our community,” Thompson said. “The district continues to identify families who need help. Some of them have lost everything. We are providing families with gift cards they can use to replace anything from school supplies to clothing. This is a small token to help with their most immediate needs.

“Our donors are assured that every penny goes to student and staff families in Spring Branch ISD schools. There are no administrative costs. As our Fund grows, we will give more,” she continued.

“Donations and pledges, large and small, have come from unexpected sources – people who have a big heart for neighbors in need.”

Some of the sources Thompson noted are:

• Pledge – Cornerstone Academy will donate funds from its December 2 fun run.
• Pledge – Pine Shadows Elementary is donating a portion of its fall direct-sales fundraiser.
• $8,050 – The Memorial Markettes shared a gift from a recent fundraiser.
• $25,000 – The Discovery Channel is making a one-time gift.
• $100,000 – A generous SBISD family wanted to help neighbors.
• $100,000 – Waterous, with guidance from Michael Buckingham, the company’s managing director and a district parent, chose the Harvey Relief Fund as the most expedient means for helping displaced families.

SBISD officials estimate there are as many as 1,000 student and staff families displaced by Harvey. Others may be identified. The district uses the Student Residency Questionnaire (SRQ) to make this assessment for students. Generally completed at the time of enrollment, the SRQ can be updated throughout the school year as living situations change. In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, living situations may reflect substandard living conditions (no electricity, for example); or living in a shelter, with friends or relatives, in a hotel/motel, transitional housing or unsheltered locations such as a car or tent.

SBEF continues to distribute $300 Target and Walmart gift cards to help families meet their most pressing needs, whether it’s food, clothing or supplies. The Foundation has awarded a $25,000 grant to Community In Schools – Houston (CIS), which identifies specific needs. CIS provides vouchers to families to assist with rent, utilities and other necessities.

The Foundation’s mission is to support students and educators to enhance education and prepare students for a successful future. The Harvey Relief Fund helps staff and students be prepared for each school day.

Thompson said, “This Fund helps fill gaps not met by other local and federal efforts. The feedback we’re getting from families expresses such gratitude to community donors for making this possible.”

Community members who wish to donate may visit the SBEF Harvey Relief Fund site.

About Spring Branch Education Foundation:
Spring Branch Education Foundation is committed to supporting SBISD students and educators. It partners with the district and community to fund programs that enhance education and ̅students for the future. In 2016, Caruthers Institute ranked SBEF 42nd in the nation among 188 K-12 education foundations and in the top 10 of its division of foundations with $1 million to $1,999,999 in revenues. Since 1993, the Foundation has donated more than $11 million to the district. SBEF is a 501(c)3 organization; all donations are tax deductible.