A.P.I.E. for Hurricane Katrina Survivors Fund
September 6, 2005
Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort for Evacuee Students Entering Austin Schools
Austin Partners in Education is combining efforts with Washington Mutual and Whole Foods Market at 6th Street and Lamar to provide much needed items for the devastated children and families of Hurricane Katrina, who are now housed in various shelters and homes throughout Austin. Immediately following the disaster, Governor Rick Perry announced that Texas public school districts would enroll evacuee children from Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. The children will qualify as “homeless” and may enroll without proof of residency.
As children and their families have arrived in Austin, many are facing the almost insurmountable task of rebuilding entire lives. At what should have been an exciting time of starting school in their home communities, these youngest hurricane victims will be in a new city and in new schools, without the familiarity of home, friends, teachers and even family. They are without adequate clothing or supplies to begin this transition and will have many more needs arise over the coming weeks and months.
Washington Mutual and Whole Foods Market have graciously answered the call to meet the needs of these newest members of Austin public schools. Washington Mutual has volunteered its twenty Austin banking locations and the North Austin Home Loan Center as drop sites for donations of new clothing, new shoes, school supplies and backpacks for evacuee children and their families. Financial donations may also be made to the A.P.I.E. for Hurricane Katrina Survivors Fund at any Austin Washington Mutual Bank location. “Our heartfelt sympathy and concern goes out to all those who have been impacted by this natural disaster,” said Todd VonAchen, Washington Mutual’s regional manager for Austin. “We hope our company’s support of the school donation and essentials drive will help the evacuee families and children migrating to Austin return to a semblance of normal life quickly.” Washington Mutual is also donating $100,000 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and will match funds contributed by their employees to the relief effort.
Whole Foods Market, an Austin institution long invested in the community, has also collaborated with A.P.I.E. as a donation site for school essentials. As the first in the effort to mobilize, Whole Foods Market has been receiving and delivering donations since last week. “Our roots and our heart are in Austin. We are committed to the children of our community and their education and we welcome these newest members with open arms,” said Whole Foods Market spokesman, Scott Simons.
Dr. Pat Forgione, Superintendent of Austin Independent School District, said of the effort, “Austin schools are committed to provide the best in care for these newest members of our community and school district. We encourage anyone who wishes to help to contact Austin Partners in Education to expedite their relief.”
“This is a tremendous opportunity to welcome these survivors into our community. Our partners, Washington Mutual and Whole Foods Market, have stepped up to the plate to make this possible,” said Kathrin Brewer, Executive Director of Austin Partners in Education.
Austin Partners in Education is a not-for-profit association, partnered with Austin Independent School District and the Austin Chamber of Commerce to provide volunteer resources, and donated goods and services to benefit public school students. Individuals and companies throughout Austin work with A.P.I.E. to strengthen the future workforce of Austin and assist every child in meeting his or her fullest potential. For the 2004-2005 school year, A.P.I.E. helped provide over 20,000 volunteers in Austin public schools, and assisted in acquiring over 20 million dollars in community donations. |
