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July 21, 2025
BEC Foundation, Bandera Electric donate $9,000 to Hill Country Samaritans for Back to School Bash
By Kati Fitzpatrick
Marketing and Communications Supervisor, Bandera Electric Cooperative
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 more than 1,000 students this year.
The distribution event is scheduled for Saturday, July 26, from 4:30 - 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,” BEC Foundation President Toba Wright said. “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,” Wright 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,” Hill Country Samaritans representative Kelly Beedle said. “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.
The BEC Foundation contributed $8,000, and Bandera Electric donated $1,000 to fund supplies for more than 1,000 students this year.
The distribution event is scheduled for Saturday, July 26, from 4:30 - 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,” BEC Foundation President Toba Wright said. “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,” Wright 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,” Hill Country Samaritans representative Kelly Beedle said. “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.