The United Way of South Texas hosted its 30th Annual Day of Caring Project FreshStart in Starr County on June 16 at Rio Grande City ISD Ringgold Elementary, where more than 80 volunteers helped prepare school supplies for 950 incoming ninth graders at Rio Grande City Grulla ISD, Roma ISD and San Isidro ISD. We extend our appreciation to H‑E‑B, International Paper Company, Medina Electric, and Walmart for their generous sponsorship.
United Way launched the Day of Caring – Project “FreshStart” initiative in 2011, made possible through the generosity and continued support of community donors. This annual event provides essential school supplies to 3,400 high school freshmen across Hidalgo and Starr Counties, helping students begin their academic journey with the tools they need to succeed.
Counselors at each school district identify the students who receive the school supplies, helping expand Youth Opportunities within the community. Up to now, 44,375 families have been impacted by United Way’s Day of Caring Project.
“United Way is incredibly proud to support the students of Starr County through Project ‘FreshStart’. While school supplies alone may not meet every need a student has, they provide an important foundation that helps high school freshmen begin the school year ready to learn and focus on their studies,” Michelle Quiroz, Reserva Coffee Roasters and United Way Board Chair, said. “This event is made possible through the generosity of our supporters, whose commitment to our community helps equip local students for success.”
Employees from the following companies volunteered to assemble the supply bags: City of Rio Grande City Police Department; H-E-B; IBC Bank; Medina Electric; Rio Grande City Grulla ISD; Roma ISD; SCAN; Starr County; Starr County DA’s Office; Starr County Victims of Domestic Violence Program; Texas Regional Bank; Walmart; and U.S. Customs Roma POE. Retired volunteers, including Mr. Saul Garcia, were also instrumental in the success of this year’s project.
“Project ‘FreshStart’ is just one of the many ways United Way remains committed to strengthening our communities and supporting students and families across Starr and Hidalgo Counties,” Annette Garcia, Region One Retiree and Campaign Co-Chair of United Way, said. “Through programs like this and the work of our partner agencies, we help address a wide range of community needs.”
The United Way Board of Directors extends its deepest appreciation to all participating companies and volunteers for their commitment to the Day of Caring – Starr County Event. Their dedication and hard work create a lasting impact on the lives of 3,400 families, strengthening local Youth Opportunities and community support. United Way remains firmly committed to helping youth succeed by investing in programs that enhance academic readiness, mental well‑being, and overall performance in the classroom. Some additional United Way Education programs include the Youth Leadership Mentorship Program, Education Council, Back-to-School “In Style” Shopping Spree, funded Food Pantries, and other critical services provided by youth programs.
About United Way:
United Way of South Texas invests in programs that address critical services in the areas of Healthy Communities, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Community Resilience. The organization supports 21 non-profit agencies in Hidalgo and Starr Counties that serve a minimum of 225,000 local residents annually. Services provided by United Way of South Texas through Partner Agencies include emergency shelter, family violence counseling, character-building programs, child victim advocacy, and infant stimulation classes. To learn more, visit www.unitedwayofsotx.org. If you would like to support United Way programs with a monetary donation, you may mail a tax-deductible check to United Way of South Texas at P.O. Box 187, McAllen, TX 78505-0187 or pledge online at https://unitedwayofsotx.org/donate-now/. For volunteer opportunities, visit volunteersotx.org.