Thank you, members of the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) for joining us during Foundation Month, a time to honor the charitable work done by our partner organization, the Texas Retired Teachers Foundation (TRTF). Today, we focus on two of TRTF’s most vital emergency need programs, “A Helping Hand” and Disaster Relief.
“A Helping Hand”
“A Helping Hand,” launched in 2010, provides public education retirees with charitable assistance for a one-time special need or other short-term hardship. Recipients include anyone who is receiving an annuity from the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS). Applicants do not need to be a member of TRTA to apply.
Since its inception, TRTF has awarded more than $250,000 in aid. This year, grants from TRTF’s “A Helping Hand” program have assisted retirees with medical and dental bills, energy bills, apartment rent, car repair, dentures, and foundation repair.
Disaster Relief
TRTF’s Disaster Relief program assists public education employees and retirees who require emergency financial assistance for a short-term hardship due to a disaster. Grant seekers are not required to be a member of TRTA but must be eligible to receive benefits from TRS. This year, TRTF has awarded Disaster Relief grants for home repair due to wildfire, roof repair due to hail, and property clean-up due to a tornado.
Do You, or Does Someone You Know, Need Help?
If you are a member of TRTA and you (or someone you know) need(s) assistance, please contact TRTF at 1.800.880.1650 or email help@trtf.org.
TRTA Local Chapters Raise Awareness
Several local chapters have dedicated time during their fall meetings to discuss the good deeds of TRTF and raise funds for Foundation Month in creative ways such as silent auctions, bake sales, and virtual walks. RSPA de West Grayson played TRTF Bingo with prizes donated by members and members donating one dollar per card to play Bingo. This raised $305. In addition, the chapter donated $3 per member.
- “WGRSPA knows how to honor and support TRTF, especially during November which is Foundation month. We ended our meeting November 7 by playing TRTF Bingo with prizes donated by members and members donating one dollar per card to play Bingo. This raised $305. In addition, the chapter donated $3 per member. With 125 members that means we added $375 to the Bingo portion for a grand total of $680 that WGRSPA treasurer Wanda Dutton sent to TRTF.”
Please Help!
It is time to give big so that we may help our children, schools, teachers, and retirees. TRTF is determined to help. As a 501(c)(3), we are in a unique position to raise donations and deploy them through our unique charitable programs.
Please consider making your year-end, tax-deductible charitable contribution to TRTF. You may donate online here or mail a contribution to TRTF 313 East 12th Street, Suite 220, Austin, Texas 78701. TRTF also included its annual appeal letter and donation card in the third quarter issue of The VOICE.
