CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS — As the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools, it didn’t stop the staff at Zavala Elementary from helping its students and families in need.
It does not matter if their students need school supplies, shoes, clothes, or food, the staff members find a way to help. It is not something they have to do, it is something they want to do.
“Yes, we do. We want to make sure they’re happy and healthy, and they have what they need to be able to study in school every day. So it is very helpful and rewarding when the community comes together to help us help our families and our students,” said Parent Involvement Liaison Rebecca Gonzalez.
“Because we love our students, we love our Aviators. They are our kids, and they are our own children, all 545 of them,” Principal Judith Hale Hinojosa.
Most people just do not realize how significant a need this is for these students.
The Everhart family, who has run into some tough times, appreciates everything the school has done for them during this time of need.
“It means the world to us. The staff and the teachers have been more than extremely helpful and reaching out to us, making sure we are okay, and making sure we don’t have any needs, and if we do, they are on top of our needs. They have more than blessed us with a enough help,” said Parent Joe Everhart
Shoes, clothes, and food are not the only way they help the kids. They also started a book club to inspire their students to read.
“So I select these books that are a little bit higher and encourage them to read because it builds their knowledge and vocabulary use and all,” said Assistant Principal Sylvia Burkes
This has been a team effort at Zavala Elementary School with donations coming from teachers, faculty members, and the community.