Students in Pearland Benefit from Third Coast Terminals Donation
Teachers and staff at EA Lawhon Elementary School in Pearland ISD were amazed at the initiative and generosity of Third Coast Terminals employees. What started as a simple idea to support a local organization turned into a community-wide effort with a far-reaching impact.
Employees selected Communities In Schools (CIS) at Lawhon Elementary as the recipient of their campaign. CIS plays a crucial role in supporting students who face challenges outside the classroom, providing resources that help them succeed academically and personally.
From a Simple Idea to a Big Surprise
The employees' original idea was to purchase sweatshirts for 100 students identified by the school and CIS site coordinator. Their plan soon grew beyond expectations. Through enthusiastic participation and teamwork, employees collected nearly 250 sweatshirts—more than double the original goal.
This success inspired the Third Coast Terminals team to go even further. Instead of stopping with sweatshirts, they decided to expand their giving to include clothing, undergarments, shoes, and other necessities for Lawhon students.
Creative Fundraising Across Departments
Departments throughout the company worked together to raise funds using a variety of creative methods. Employees organized a Las Vegas trip raffle, sold tacos and barbecue plates, and came up with other fun and effective ways to generate donations.
Their collective efforts paid off—literally. By the end of the campaign, Third Coast Terminals employees had raised over $15,000 for Lawhon Elementary students.
Matching Donations for Maximum Impact
The generosity didn't stop there. Jim Clawson, Jr., owner of Third Coast Terminals, pledged to match every dollar raised by employees. His commitment effectively doubled the impact, bringing the total donation to more than $30,000.
This matching donation ensured that the effort could benefit even more students, creating a lasting and meaningful difference in the Pearland community.
Direct Support for Students
Approximately $10,000 of the funds went directly to Lawhon Elementary. This money was used to purchase clothing, shoes, and games for students, helping to remove barriers to learning and boost their confidence.
The remaining dollars were distributed evenly among the other five CIS schools in Pearland, Texas:
- Carleston Elementary
- Cockrell Elementary
- Jamison Middle School
- Sablatura Middle School
- Pearland Junior High South
This ensured that students across multiple campuses benefited from the company's generosity.
Strengthening the Pearland Community
Third Coast Terminals' donation not only provided immediate resources but also strengthened the bond between local businesses and the Pearland school community. By investing in students' well-being, Third Coast helped create a positive ripple effect that extends beyond the classroom.
CIS programs rely on partnerships like this one to meet students' basic needs, allowing them to focus on learning and growth. This collaboration demonstrates how corporate involvement can make a real difference in students' lives.
A Lasting Commitment to Giving
The success of this initiative highlights Third Coast Terminals' commitment to corporate social responsibility and community engagement. By empowering employees to lead fundraising efforts and matching their contributions, the company set a powerful example of what can be accomplished when businesses and communities work together.
