Texas Border Business
McAllen, Texas – Village in the Valley (ViVa) welcomed students back to Frank Roberts Elementary School in San Benito this fall with school supplies donated by its membership and community members.
This year’s annual Back-to-School Drive was needed as supplies and learning materials for students was donated to make the transition back to in-person learning easier. ViVa membership, community members, and local businesses eagerly answered the calls for help, donating school supplies and $1,000 allowing distribution to students who needed it the most.
The donation was also especially meaningful as Frank Roberts Elementary was the school that black residents attended after desegregation.
“I’m so appreciative to businesses, community members, and ViVa members who are helping ensure students have what it takes to help make that transition as successfully as possible, especially Church’s Chicken who was the largest financial contributor” said Dr. Therese Gatling, Co-President of ViVa.
Marsha Terry, Co-President of ViVa, said the generosity of the community never ceases to amaze her.
Terry praised the tireless effort of the full committee to include Ms. Sandra Tumberlinson the treasurer of The Callandret Black History Museum located in San Benito. The only black history south of San Antonio.
“It’s a team effort, and this team works so hard to make sure as many classrooms as possible get badly needed support,” Terry said.
