In the aftermath of Uvalde

We, at Cornerstone, like people around the nation, were horrified and saddened by the tragedy at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. As the community mourns the loss of innocent lives and tries to heal, we wanted to make you aware of two related developments that we believe will be of interest to our members.

Two employees at River City Credit Union lost relatives in the shooting. President/CEO Jeff Ivey reported that both relatives were children. The credit union set up accounts for those who wish to support the families. If you would like to help, please donate to the following accounts:

Uvalde Memorial Fund – Xavier Lopez
RT# 314088530
Acct# 1000000631903

Uvalde Memorial Fund – Amerie Jo Garza
RT# 314088530
Acct# 1000000631904

Del Rio-based Border Federal Credit Union was also impacted since Uvalde is located within its field of membership and shares many resources, such as counseling programs, with Southwest Texas Junior College and Sul Ross State University.

“Being so close to Uvalde has been heart wrenching for many of us here in Del Rio and Eagle Pass,” said Border FCU Marketing and PR Manager Abram Rodriguez. “When this happened, we felt compelled to help in any way possible. We knew that there would be a huge push nationally, but we want to be there for Uvalde in the long run.”

Joe Garcia, husband of slain teacher Irma Garcia, had been employed as the grocery manager at the local H-E-B before he died of a heart attack just days later, leaving four children. A barber that cuts Rodriguez’s hair from time to time was the uncle of one of the few children who was wounded and survived.

“We currently have a staff fund that we use for community outreach in times of need,” Rodriguez said. “And we created a page on our website to ask our membership and beyond to begin collecting donations. This will be an ongoing project for us.”

Rodriguez said the Border team is researching ways to raise and distribute funds that make the biggest impact. The credit union dedicated its July newsletter to the Uvalde victims, using the Uvalde maroon colors as a tribute and offering a way for members to donate. More than $14,000 has been raised for Uvalde victims and their families.

Border also teamed up with the Housing Authority of Del Rio, whose board of directors Rodriguez chairs, to help the Housing Authority of Uvalde collect stuffed animals for kids that went to Robb Elementary. Rodriguez reported that almost 90% of Robb Elementary students live in poverty, and many of those children live in housing authority apartments.

“In May, we were able to donate more than 40 stuffed animals from our staff and their families,” Rodriguez said. “In all, the project collected 400 plus stuffed animals for those children, and we were also able to give to others, including a counseling group working with the children of Uvalde.”

GoFundMe accounts have also been set up, for anyone wishing to contribute to various relief efforts.