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Copy paper, markers, notebooks and pencils are just a few of the much needed items in the Lower Terrebonne Parish schools as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Twenty-one schools were flooded after Hurricane Rita, effecting about 10,000 students.
Time Warner Cable spearheaded a drive for supplies that resulted in more than $4,000 worth of school materials and uniforms, which were distributed through Terrebonne Parish School Board, Dept. of Federal Programs. “We got a great response when we put the word out,” said Marketing Manager Michelle Pellegrin. “There were so many collections being taken up for everything from clothes to cleaning supplies, that we weren’t sure if everyone would be tapped out, but they weren’t.”
“We really want to thank residents and local businesses for their overwhelming response to this request,” said Area General Manager Jacqui Dugas. “Particularly during such trying times when all resources are being stretched to their limits.” In addition to local residents and the Downtown Houma Business Association contributing, many Time Warner Cable venders also donated box loads of materials particularly HBO, QVC, Springboard Promotions, and The Inspiration Networks.
Other contributors include Houma.com, Hallmark Channel, The Outdoor Channel, EWTN, C-Span, Turner Networks and Oxygen.
“We decided our efforts should be directed toward schools since Time Warner Cable has such a strong commitment to education,” said Pellegrin. Time Warner Cable provides free cable service to all the schools in their service area as well as other educational support like Cable in the Classroom.
Time Warner Cable also helped with the suitcase drive sponsored by Houma.com for the evacuees of Hurricane Katrina, collecting more than 100 suitcases earlier this fall. More than 400 suitcases were collected for displaced residents.
Time Warner Cable is now in the middle of their annual “Toys for Tots” drive that has been an annual tradition for the past 15 years. Anyone donating a new toy valued at $10 or more qualifies for a free installation from now until Christmas. All toys will be distributed by the Marine Corps Reserve. “This year looks like it will be one of our biggest collections ever,” said Pellegrin. “And that’s a good thing because this year there’s more need than ever.” |