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LaVerne Rydell is a retired teacher living in San Marcos, Texas. Earlier this year, she moved from her home to a senior community. However, she was having difficulty coming up with the funds to pay for her moving expenses.
Rydell was selling personal items to pay for these expenses, and she was facing the prospect of not having a washer and dryer in her new home. During a conversation with her friend and former president of the San Marcos Area Retired Teachers and Staff, Viki Hicks, Rydell mentioned these issues.
Hicks realized that Rydell was a candidate for the Texas Retired Teachers Foundation’s (TRTF) “A Helping Hand” grant. Hicks contacted TRTF and filled out the program application on Rydell’s behalf. Time was of the essence as Rydell was scheduled to move within two weeks. Within a week, Rydell received two $500 gift cards to Lowes to purchase a washer and dryer for her new home.
Rydell was overwhelmed with emotion when she received the gift cards.
“I had tears,” said Rydell. “I was just speechless… And, of course, I called Viki, and then when I saw her, I gave her a great big hug.”
“LaVerne uses the word ‘blessed’ a lot, and she felt very blessed,” said Hicks. “This was a wonderful surprise for her, and I felt so, so good about it, because she had given so much to our local teachers organization.”
Donate Today!
TRTF’s “A Helping Hand” is powered by retired educator donations! Foundation month is a time for giving, and the donations made go straight into endeavors like the “A Helping Hand” program. Please consider donating today, and help us make a difference in the lives of educators all across Texas!
Applications Are Available!
Applications for the “A Helping Hand” program are available online! Visit this page to learn more.
