Helping Galveston Schools

Within the next few weeks Schools Count Corp will go into Galveston, TX in order to aid schools which are coping with the ravages of Hurricane Ike. Not only were homes, families, and businesses punished, so to were the schools on the island.


As small as the island is, there, nonetheless, are thirteen (13) schools. To date, all of the schools remain closed. Out of the 13 schools, I know that at least 11 of them took water. Three of the schools have significant damage according to the Galveston Independent School District (http://www.gisd.org/). Burnet Elementary and Ball High have a good deal of damage and will be closed for the foreseeable future. Central took 57 1/2" of water in their Auditorium.


As of this posting, few people can get on the island and communication with the Superintendent and Asst. Superintendent has been limited. Over the next week I will coordinate our assessment of student needs with these officials and determine when its advisable to bring supplies to the children.


The preliminary plan is to fly into Dallas-Ft. Worth and purchase the supplies in the metropolitan region and then truck the supplies the 250 miles to Galveston.
We will be sure to get the goods to the areas hardest hit and with the greatest needs.


Right now our most urgent need is cash funds. If you can send a donation to Richard Flesher, 219 Brookside Lane, A, Willowbrook, IL. 60527 that would be most appreciated. Please make the check payable to Schools Count Corp.


A number of you have generously donated throughout this year for our initiatives in New Orleans. I am most thankful. Another way you can help this Galveston endeavor is to ask your fellow employees to make a contribution to the cause. Please take a few minutes to ask your employer if you can solicit funds in this manner. Remember, Schools Count is a federal non-profit and all donations are tax deductible.


The citizens of Galveston can use our help so lets pitch in and get the students back in the classroom as soon as possible