Press Releases

Shareable Wearables Children’s Clothing Drive in the Rio Grande Valley

26/04/2005

Clean out your closets and box any new and/or gently used clothing to donate to the drive

It's that time of year again. The eighth annual Shareable Wearable Children's Clothing Drive is just around the corner. We invite you to clean out your closets and box any new and/or gently used clothing to donate to the drive. Your contribution will help children in the Rio Grande Valley start school feeling good about themselves.

During the week of May 16, collection boxes will be set up at Hop ‘n Shops and Tejano Marts throughout the Valley.  In addition, monetary contributions—used to purchase new shoes, socks and underwear—can be made at the Hop n Shops.

“You can help us make a difference in a child’s life.  The clothes from the Shareable Wearables clothing drive are distributed to kids all over the Valley and these donations become critical to families,” said Tomas Hinojosa of Shell Exploration & Production Company—McCook Production Unit.

In 2004, the Rio Grande Valley community donated more than 350,000 pieces of clothing.  These donations were distributed to children through Rio Grande Children’s Home and their affiliated social service agencies.  The 2005 donations will be distributed in July and August, prior to the 2005/2006 school year.

“The families at the colonias are in need of help and children are the most vulnerable. This is the eighth annual Shareable Wearables drive, and we’re hoping to help children to start school feeling comfortable and confident” said Tommy Speed, administrator of the Rio Grande Children’s Home—a ministry of Buckner Family Services.  “Last year we were able to help more than 10,000 children and this year we want to exceed this number. I know that with the help of the Rio Grande Valley community we will be able to do it”

Partners in this event include: Shell Exploration and Production, the Rio Grande Children's Home, Buckner Children and Family Services, Russell McGilvray/Hop 'n Shop, Keller Distributors-Tejano Marts, the McAllen Monitor, KRGV-TV, KURV radio, KVMV radio and Clear Channel-RGV radio stations, as well as Vanity Fair Intimates, Wrangler, Lee, Inland Packaging and L&F Distributing.

QUESTIONS:      

Buckner Family Services

Monica Skrzypinski – 956-585-4847

Shell

Debbie Breazeale – 713-725-6234

Notes to Editors       

Interviews, Photos Available Upon Request