They had to fill up multiple shopping carts multiple times, but three employees at commercial real estate firm HFF successfully found everything they wanted to donate to Dallas ISD’s Esperanza “Hope” Medrano Elementary School this year.
The employees from the company’s Dallas office collected $5,477 for the effort. With stops at Wal-Mart, Target, Sam’s Club and Office Depot, it was early afternoon before the intrepid shoppers delivered their bounty to the school just a few days before classes resumed.
“We got everything on our list except manila paper,” said Vanessa DeLacretaz of HFF. “We have enjoyed working with them so much for the past year – five years in a row now. We want to help out where we can.”
Besides the annual donation of school supplies and uniforms, HFF staff members visit the campus regularly to help tutor students.
The supplies and uniforms will be distributed as needed throughout the school year. A portion of Medrano’s student population comes from nearby family shelters, so the needs are sometimes great.
Teachers from each grade helped DeLacretaz and her two shopping partners unload several flatbed carts of items into the school’s library. As she readied her space for the looming school year, librarian Michele Buehler got a little emotional. She thanked HFF for its generous donation.
“It’s always wonderful when someone comes out to give to our kids,” Buehler said. “They don’t have to do this. We’ve been blessed; they’re a great group.”
Principal Mariela Magro-Malo said that HFF’s effort exemplifies how the community really cares about students.
“The donation shows that we want our kids to come to Medrano, and the community will do whatever it takes for them to be successful,” she said. “We’ll take care of the rest.”
