The EPISD Cares Fund has raised more than $126,000 through contributions and matching funds since April 15, ensuring thousands of struggling families in the El Paso community eat during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The total amount translates to 882,000 meals provided through El Pasoans Fighting Food Bank. They represent contributions made through the EPISD Cares Fund and purchases of EPISD merchandise sales through Proper Printshop.
In April, Superintendent Juan E. Cabrera launched the campaign after quickly realizing that while EPISD could feed students their weekly families hit hard by the pandemic were still struggling to put food on the table.
“The pandemic has created a lot of uncertainty and need in our community,” Cabrera said. “I’m proud that our EPISD community has generously come together to help others. It shows we are all in this together – both EPISD and El Paso Strong.”
Initially, EPISD launched the fund in conjunction with the Paso del Norte Community Foundation to capitalize on the matching funds offered by a partnership of the Paul L. Foster Family Foundation, the Woody & Gayle Hunt Family Foundation and the MountainStar Sports Group Foundation. A second campaign joined EPISD with CommUNITY en Acción’s Donation Drive for another opportunity to match funds.
“We are grateful for the El Paso Independent School District community for their support of our mission,” said Susan Goodell, CEO of El Pasoans Fighting Hunger.
“We are only able to do our work thanks to the support of caring El Pasoans who are committed to helping their friends and neighbors.”
