The Thames Valley Education Foundation (TVEF) raised over $62,000 for the Caring Fund this Giving Tuesday. This is $12,000 above the foundation’s goal.
“This year we have already supported over 400 students and their families, which is a 25% increase from last year at this time” said Jackie Ellefsen, the executive director of the Thames Valley Education Foundation. “Over the pandemic, numbers increased drastically, and we are so surprised to see it continue to rise.”
Ellefsen said that the fund distributed nearly $500,000 in the first 10 years, and over $500,000 in the past three years alone.
The TVEF said families often face difficulties with inflation, rising food costs, housing costs, and gas costs. Over 75% of requests are for basic needs such as food, clothing, and school supplies.
“We have families that are struggling to put food on the table, so keep their children home from school because they can’t afford to pack them a lunch for the day,” said Ellefsen.
Ellefsen is confident that the foundation will distribute close to $300,000 this year, and that every cent they raise will be going to students in need.
“We know we fit into a huge framework of social support systems in the community, and we see the fund as a frontline support system,” said Ellefsen. “We know students will have trouble learning if their basic needs are not met, hungry students can’t learn.”
“We want to be able to help, immediately, to keep students in the classroom, keep them learning, while more long term solutions are put into place,” said Ellefsen.
Comments