Mansfield ISD Magazine Fall 2017 | Page 16

Mansfield ISD Works Together to Provide Relief to Hurricane Victims H urricane Harvey made landfall in the southern regions of Texas on Friday, Aug. 25 and caused major devastation and destruction to neighborhoods in its path. The deadly hurricane flooded homes and displaced thousands of people. Agricultural science students at Ben Barber Innovation Academy held a drive to make sure displaced animals are cared for. Mansfield ISD came together as a community to help the fellow Texans in a variety of ways. The district partnered with the Salvation Army by collecting items for the hurricane victims. Drop-off locations were available at all campuses. “One thing I love about the Mansfield ISD community is its heart,” said Superintendent Dr. Jim Vaszauskas. “Our community shows so much generosity to help others, and this is another example of everyone’s great outpouring of love and support.” Donations from the district drive were delivered to the Salvation Army and were later sent to the southern regions of Texas. While the district’s relief efforts took place, students in Ben Barber Innovation Academy’s agricultural science class made sure an often forgotten population was taken care of as well. The high schoolers started a donation drive to collect food and supplies for displaced pets. The students spread their idea to their home high school campuses. Through collaboration and the power of social media, the donations started to come in by the dozens. The children at Martha Reid Leadership Academy were happy to help others. The MISD rodeo team also took feed and hay to the Houston area to assist. “I’m so proud of these students because it was all their idea to think of ways to care for the animals,” said teacher Kristi Chambliss. “They saw a need and had a heart for giving.” All donated items were transported to the Gulf Coast areas for distribution. The entry way at Timberview High School was loaded with donated cases of water. 14 Mansfield School & Family