Hallmark Backpack Proram Feeds 1,000 Hungry Kids in Texas

The lives and welfare of schoolage children have been an area of focus for the philanthropic efforts of Hallmark’s fixture operations facility in Center, Texas. Numerous employees serve as coaches, sponsors and board members for area nonprofits, and in 2017, the facility — which has fewer than 100 employees — donated $3,000 to make an impact across several local organizations.

Many area children go to school hungry, and the school lunch is the only food they receive. As a result, the Back Pack program was created by teachers to provide food for elementary-age children to eat after school. The program feeds 1,000 hungry students every year and 2017 marked the 10-year anniversary of the Center facility’s financial support.

Another organization, Coats for Kids, distributes new and used coats for children of low-income families in the region.

“Hallmark’s donations made a huge difference,” said Inez Hughes, principal, F.L. Moffett Primary School. “We gave needed items to students unable to purchase them on their own, such as backpacks, school supplies and socks in addition to the coats."

Center volunteers also teamed up with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), an organization that works with the county to support abused and neglected children. CASA provides medical assistance and mileage reimbursement for foster care visits, and volunteers like those from Hallmark attend court to represent the children’s interests.

In addition to helping these organizations, the Center facility established a scholarship program. The fund, marking its 10th year in 2017, offers a minimum $1,000 scholarship to a Center High School graduate with plans to go to college.

“Our employees are excited about the programs to help kids, and we are very grateful to receive such positive feedback from parents, teachers and sponsors in the community,” said Ortega Cartwright, production manager. 

Download and read more from our full 2017 Caring In Action Report here.