Texas Wildfires

Time and again, Team HISD has shown its willingness to step up and help those in need. Right now, our colleagues in Bastrop ISD need help as wildfires continue to burn in their community. Beginning Monday, HISD will be collecting donations to help Bastrop ISD employees displaced by the fires. This email, sent today to all HISD Central Office employees, explains our relief fundraising campaign.

The Houston Independent School District family is deeply saddened by the terrific loss and displacement of thousands of people in Central Texas as a result of the most destructive wildfires on record in our state. In an effort to reach out to our counterparts in the Bastrop Independent School District, HISD is organizing a central administration building relief fundraising campaign. The campaign will run from Monday, September 12, 2011, through Wednesday, September 14, 2011. Participation is voluntary.

In Bastrop ISD, more than 200 employees have lost homes or possessions. The losses in that community are truly staggering — almost 1,400 homes in Bastrop have been lost to fires. Schools have been closed all week. Our hearts go out to Superintendent Steve Murray and his staff as they work tirelessly to connect with students who have been displaced. Many are doing so while suffering their own personal losses.

The HISD Offering Support Campaign for Bastrop ISD is accepting contributions of cash, (currency or coins), or checks. All checks should be made payable to HISD or HISD c/o Bastrop ISD. Proceeds will be forwarded to the Bastrop Independent School District and will benefit Bastrop ISD employees displaced by the recent wildfires.

Individuals needing a receipt should make their contribution in the form of a check, and their cashed check will serve as their receipt. Donations can be turned in to the Strategic Partnerships staff (1SE), between the hours of 8:30-10:30 a.m. and 2-4 p.m.

If you have any questions regarding the collection process, please contact Strategic Partnerships at  713-556-7200.