The EPISD Cares Fund has raised nearly $40,000 since April 15, ensuring thousands of struggling families in the El Paso community eat during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $36,513 in donations and another $2,700 in EPISD Cares merchandise sales will go to the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger food bank. For every dollar, raised the food bank can provide seven meals.
Superintendent Juan E. Cabrera quickly realized that while EPISD could feed students their weekly and now Saturday breakfast and lunches, 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.”
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. The foundations will match the $39,213 plus future contributions, doubling the impact each donation has on the community.
“We are proud to partner with EPISD on the EPISD Cares Fund to serve families in this time of need,” said Tracy Yellen, CEO of the Paso Del Norte Community Foundation. “We are so impressed by the spirit of giving in the EPISD community. We are grateful to EPISD for their leadership and caring. Every gift is important and will make a measurable difference.”
There’s still time to donate or buy fundraising merchandise. EPISD Proud and EPISD Cares shirt and cap, sold in conjunction with Proper Printshop, are $20 with $10 going to the EPISD Cares.
Merchandise sales and donations are continuously being accepted via this link
