March 5, 2024–Cypress Grove Intermediate School received 450 boxes of non-perishable food items, the equivalent of 7,000 meals, from One More Child, an advocacy organization that serves children through foster care, anti-trafficking, child hunger, single moms and family support programs.
The donation will contribute to Cypress Grove’s food pantry and general store, which provides food and supplies for students in need.
Cypress Grove Intermediate School staff organize 450 boxes of non-perishable food items donated by One More Child.
“We’re so incredibly thankful,” said Lauren Cummings, sixth-grade ELA teacher and general store coordinator. “Everything we give out of the food pantry and general store relies on donations. With this donation, we will be able to expand our giving to more students than we ever have before.”
The donation came about through a connection with Texas A&M University’s community events liaison, Brandy Tuck, when she saw a Facebook post made by Cummings asking community organizations for donations. Tuck also serves on the board of directors for the Mike Evans Family Foundation, a charitable organization founded by former Texas A&M football player, Mike Evans, that provides basic necessities to women and children in need.
“When I saw the post I thought, there’s a need in my own community, and I can help,” said Tuck. “No child should have to go home hungry or not know where their next meal is coming from.”
Prior to the donation from One More Child, Tuck brought the Mike Evans Family Foundation to Cypress Grove to provide the school with a monetary donation of $5,000 for the food pantry. The foundation made donations in 2022 and 2023.
Two $5,000 checks from The Mike Evans Family Foundation are displayed at Cypress Grove celebrating donations made in 2022 and 2023 for the school’s food pantry.
With the connections to Evans, currently playing wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tuck was able to bring the Tampa Bay-based One More Child to Cypress Grove for the donation. Leon Battle, One More Child vice president of strategic partnerships, visited Cypress Grove for the donation and provided information to students about digital citizenship and online safety.
Leon Battle, One More Child vice president of strategic partnerships, talks to Cypress Grove Intermediate School students about online safety and digital citizenship.
“I believe everything happens for a reason,” said Cummings. “A simple Facebook post asking our community to consider donating has turned into a great partnership that we are forever grateful to have.”
Cypress Grove and One More Child plan to partner again in the fall of 2024 for a family night to provide additional information to parents about online safety.