The United Way Board of Directors proudly recognized United Way of South Texas Volunteers, Company Supporters and Pillar Club Members at the 2024 Awards Ceremony in March. The annual awards ceremony celebrated community service and campaign accomplishments.
Awards were presented to Key Volunteers, Top Companies, Top Supporting Districts, and State and Federal Agencies. The Top 10 Contributing Companies are among the strongest in community engagement, as their employees donate hundreds of hours to support critical local causes. Employees of the Top 10 Companies are leaders who take initiative in United Way’s volunteer programs such as the Back-to-School “In Style” Shopping Spree, Day of Caring – Project “FreshStart”, Annual Campaign, Loaned Executive Program, Fund Distribution, Agency Accountability Process, Spirit of Christmas and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program.
The Top 10 Contributing Companies represent organizations with a deep understanding of United Way’s impact on diverse social service needs in our area. The following Top 10 Companies and Coordinators were recognized: 1) H-E-B Stores & H-E-B RSC (Transportation/Distribution Facilities); Reyna Camacho and store Administrative Assistants. 2) Hidalgo County; Oliva Gomez 3) City of McAllen; Javier Zamora, Linda Gonzalez, Yasminda Garza and Cristina Monroy 4) IBC Bank; Marily Becerra, Maria Ibarra and Noraa Gamundi 5) Vantage Bank; Daniela Aguilar and Cindy Quintanilla 6) Target Stores; Anita De Hoyos and store H.R. Leaders 7) GE Aerospace; Denise Rodriguez and Javier Vazquez 8) International Paper; Marina Villanueva 9) AEP Texas; Mindy Rodriguez and 10) Holt; Guadalupe Guarjardo. These ten companies raised $780,130 representing 39% of the overall 2023 campaign.
“GE Aerospace – McAllen, remains dedicated to upholding its tradition of corporate citizenship and giving back to the community through their support of United Way of South Texas,” said Dr. D’uAndre A. Drain, Senior Process Improvement Manager at GE Aerospace and United Way Board Member. “We are incredibly proud of our employees at GE, for their generosity and dedication to making a positive difference in our community.” The community’s support allows United Way to positively impact the well-being of over 187,000 individuals in Hidalgo and Starr Counties. Direct services through programs include emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence and the homeless; after-school, youth leadership, and homework assistance programs; end-of-life care services; advocates for children in foster care; free income tax preparation services for families who earn $60,000 a year or less; assistance for families affected by natural disasters and single home fires, and much more. The United Way Board of Directors extends its deepest appreciation to all who volunteer and donate to support critical services in the Rio Grande Valley.