Finally, Contact with Galveston Schools!

After 12 days of trying to get through to Galveston school officials, I finally made contact with Superintendent Lynn Cleveland and her asst., Barbara Mallory on Thursday, September 25th. The time lag clearly indicates the severity of the hurricane and the overwhelming load of work that remains in so very many areas prior to getting schools ready to open on Monday, Oct. 6th. As of this posting, the 6th is the target date to open schools.

After speaking to Ms. Cleveland and Ms. Mallory it is clear that the schools need our help. Both individuals were thrilled that Schools Count Corp. is willing to step up and help aid the children.

Superintendent Cleveland mentioned four items as major needs. These include backpacks, assorted student supplies - writing tools, loose leaf paper, folders, and more - music instruments, and library books. Other specific products are also in great need and we are working with Julie Schmed, the Educational Foundation Laison, to work out details on acquisition and delivery within the next couple of weeks.

Our original intent was to help the Galveston schools by flying into Dallas-Ft. Worth and then making the 250 trek south to the coast. Fortunately, I have found some kind individuals within the Houston, TX region who are willing to help us procur school supplies and aid us in getting them to Galveston. The Houston to Galveston drive is a scant 35 miles so we will be able to save funds on trucking, etc. By the way, fuel is a precious commodity in the region so reducing our driving distance is helpful.

As we prepare to go into Galveston I'd like to make a special appeal to you. Many of you work for companies that generously donate to charities. If you are aware that your company engages in this type of philanthropy I'd be most appreciative of your making mentioning of our Galveston initiative. Any funds that they donate would be most helpful.

As we go forward into Texas I will be sure to keep informed on our work.

Many thanks,
Dick