Students at HISD’s White Elementary School got food for thought and a head start on creating home libraries on Oct. 18, thanks to Target, its nonprofit partner—the Heart of America Foundation, and the Houston Food Bank.
White was one of 25 campuses from across the nation to be selected for a complete facelift through Target’s School Library Makeovers program, which has transformed hundreds of facilities since its inception in 2007.
The renovated library features 2,000 new books, furniture, rugs, and paint, as well as upgraded technology that included new iPads and desktop computers.
Each student also received seven new books to take home, and, through a special arrangement with the Houston Food Bank, more than 20 pounds of fresh and shelf-stable food.
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Principal Paulette Caston-Bailey and HISD Board of Education member Greg Meyers both thanked Target, Heart of America, and the other sponsors who supported the library’s makeover, including Stewart-Perry Construction. “This is preparing our kids not just for today, but for tomorrow,” said Meyers. “Really, we can’t thank you enough.”
White is also the latest campus to be set up as a Target “Meals for Minds” school-based food-pantry site, through which needy children and their families can receive up to 22 pounds of staple foods and fresh produce each month. The program is designed to combat hunger and its impact on learning in young people.
Campuses selected for complete school makeovers must serve at least 65% low-income children and demonstrate the need for a library makeover. Approximately 92 percent of White’s student body qualifies for free and reduced lunch.
Other HISD campuses that have received a library makeover through this same program include Grissom ES, Burnet ES, Scarborough ES, and Burbank ES.