One thing the El Paso community shares is the instinct to help others. The Housing Authority of El Paso, in partnership with the county, worked together on July 13 to help the Canutillo area on the west side of town. A compassionate community of organizations gathered to give away backpacks, food, and school supplies to students and the families at Canutillo Elementary.
This event was filled with empathetic and supportive acts coming from so many directions. From interns, volunteers, and county officials, many stepped forward to help from the goodness of their hearts. It goes without saying, they were not there out of forced obligation but to actively engage in this act of kindness.
Diana Diaz, family services coordinator for the El Paso County Housing Authority, discussed how the event is normally done in Fabens, but things changed this year.
“This is the first year we do this in Canutillo, after seven years when we normally host in Fabens, it is really a blessing that all residents here can get these necessities, and be at ease,” Diaz said.
Events like these support low-income families by having the means to be prepared for the quickly approaching school year.
Groups like El Paso County, El Paso Health, County Commissioner’s Office, Canutillo ISD, El Pasoans Fighting Hunger food bank and Schnieder Electric along with volunteers, came together to give out a helping hand to the Canutillo community.
“Schneider Electric provided us with a big donation of $2000 to buy more school supplies and backpacks,” Diaz said.
Donations and investments from companies help nonprofits and local entities be able to have bigger events and endeavors in the future.
“Hopefully we can also provide health fairs, immunizations, uniforms for the kids and other events not only for the Canutillo area but pretty much for the whole El Paso area,” Diaz said.
There is no one more passionate about the city of Canutillo than County Commissioner Sergio Coronado himself, being an alumnus and having been on the school board for 16 years.
“There is a lot of need out for this community. Sometimes people take things for granted, and in others don’t have the same luxury,” Coronado said. “This may not provide everything for them, but they at least have access to it.”
After serving about 100 to 200 families, Coronado expects nothing less when it comes to helping those in need and for upcoming events like this.
“There is going to be another school supply giveaway sometime in July, hosted by Senator Ceasar Blanco along with Ornelas in the Canutillo area which I am attending,” Coronado said. “Their past events have been highly successful.”
Events like these are evidential pieces of what El Paso is, it builds character, endurance, and promising potential. As the city comes together to support each other, younger generations take note, and appreciate that someone is looking out for them.
Dominique Macias is a contributor and may be reached at [email protected].
