Christmas came early for the children of Parkdale Head Start as the result of a newly formed partnership between Parkdale Head Start and Oveana, a San Antonio-based business process outsourcing company in El Paso.
The unexpected partnership began when Head Start Family Service Worker, Cynthia Tapia reached out to Oveana's Human Resources Business partner, Ruben Sanchez in search of toy donations for Parkdale Head Start. "Every year we provide toys to the children through donations from local businesses, but this year, due to the impact of the pandemic, we have seen not only a rise in children and families in need but also a decline in businesses able to donate." said Tapia, "So when I shared my concern with Mr. Sanchez I wasn't asking him directly to donate but rather if he could suggest any companies that I could reach out to."
Instead, Sanchez immediately referred Tapia's request to Oveana, and the company eagerly responded by donating over 200 toys and gifts to Parkdale Head Start.
The generous donation came just in time - just one week before Head Start children break for the holidays, providing 131 Parkdale Head Start children with Christmas gifts, as well as providing each classroom with educational/development toys.
This first-time collaboration between Oveana and Head Start is the beginning of a promising new partnership, "We had a choice of where we were going to open our business and we chose El Paso because we wanted to invest in this community." said Oveana Managing Director, Kathryn Barnicle, " Head Start's commitment to empowering underserved children and families of El Paso falls right in line with our company's core values and I'm very excited to make this an ongoing partnership rather than just a one-time contribution. We will continue to support the Head Start program, whether it's through volunteerism, or clothing, food, or toy drives."
Community partnerships are the life force of the Head Start program, providing education and opportunities to underserved children birth to age four and their families. If you would like to become a Head Start Community Partner, call 915-790-4600.