BANDERA, Texas — The BEC Foundation and Bandera Electric Cooperative have donated a combined $9,000 to support Hill Country Samaritans’ annual Back to School Bash, which provides school supplies and backpacks to students across Bandera County.
The BEC Foundation contributed $8,000, and Bandera Electric donated $1,000 to fund supplies for over 1,000 students this year.
The distribution event is scheduled for Saturday, July 26, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Lakehills Community Center. More than 60 community organizations are participating, including the BEC Fiber team, which will be on-site handing out items to attendees.
“Every child should be properly equipped for the school year, regardless of their financial status,” said Toba Wright, president of the BEC Foundation. “Having two kids of my own in Bandera ISD, this hits close to home.”
Wright was on hand to present the donation on behalf of both organizations — but didn’t stop there. She joined volunteers on-site, jumping into the assembly line to help pack backpacks.
“I will always lend a hand where I can,” she said.
The Back to School Bash is open to all Bandera County residents. While school supplies and backpacks are reserved for students registered in public, private or homeschool programs in the county, the event is free and open to the public.
“This is truly a community-powered event,” said Kelly Beedle, a representative of Hill Country Samaritans. “We’re so thankful for those participating by funding, volunteering and showing up. We expect to reach students from every corner of the county.”
Hill Country Samaritans coordinates multiple community-focused events each year, including a free Thanksgiving meal and the Walk Through Bethlehem event in December, both of which involve participation from numerous local churches and organizations.
About Bandera Electric
Established in 1938, Bandera Electric Cooperative (BEC) is a member-owned cooperative dedicated to providing exceptional service and innovative solutions to its members. Serving over 29,000 members and delivering electric service to 40,000 meters, BEC operates within a seven-county territory in the picturesque Texas Hill Country. With a steadfast commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its members, BEC has pioneered a range of advanced programs. Since 2017, BEC has expanded its services to include fiber-optic broadband internet, ensuring high-speed connectivity for its rural communities. Additionally, BEC offers comprehensive behind-the-meter energy solutions, including Apolloware, an advanced, real-time energy management platform, solar power installations, and energy storage systems. For more information, visit BanderaElectric.com or call 866.226.3372.