The Pharr Literacy Project & Cultural Arts Center

As many of you know, the Pharr Literacy Project provides free educational opportunities that promote family self-sufficiency through a program of systemic change.  The majority of our programs are needs-driven programs that provide 

opportunities – not “things.”   However, the reality is, in an area that is plagued with generational poverty, such as Hidalgo County, Texas, sometimes giving things to the people we serve is necessary. 
In August, many parents will begin the laborious process of getting multiple children ready to go back to school.  Some families have as many as five or six children that are all school-aged. Purchasing school supplies for so many children presents a very real financial burden to these already impoverished families. I can tell you from personal experience that purchasing school supplies in Wal-mart, Target, or other chain stores costs about $100 per child or more!  Each year, the Pharr Literacy Project pledges to provide school supplies to children that represent areas that are the most financially challenged – in our Colonia projects. This year we would like to provide school supplies for 400 children.  Through a special partnership developed with a wholesale supply company (DollarDays.com), the Pharr Literacy Project will be able to provide all of the supplies a child will need to succeed in school for the unbelievable cost of only $20 per child – including a backpack!  But the only way this special partnership can happen is if we order in bulk – by the case, rather than individual pieces.  In order to make this program work, we need your help!

 

We are asking a huge boon in a time that is economically difficult for all of us. Many of you have already reached into your pockets to help this organization do all the things we do, and we love and appreciate and bless every single one of you!  I am confronted with the unenviable task of asking you to once again dig deep and help this organization provide to the community in addition to what you have already given or pledged.  But I do so knowing that your generous, loving hearts will find a way to help those who are even more economically challenged than you are.  I have personally pledged to provide 5 children with the supplies necessary to begin this school year successfully.  Can I count on you and your congregation to match or exceed my pledge?

 

If you would like to make a donation to provide school supplies to children in need, please give generously.  You may make checks payable to the Pharr Literacy Project, and please indicate on the memo line that this donation is for the back to school fund.  Thank you for continuing to be a source of strength and inspiration to me.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Kelly Michal, CEO