Pocket Change Grants a Welcome Surprise for Schools

Posted Date: 06/02/2020

January 6, 2014  - The Education Credit Union awarded 33 Amarillo schools with Pocket Change Grants in 2013. Employees from the organization surprised campus administrators in the month of December with checks made out to fund supplies, field trips and more. Administrators and faculty of schools or colleges in the Texas Panhandle may apply for these grants each fall to help cover special expenses.

“Last year the Education Credit Union gave $30,346 to 67 schools and this year was able to give $34,318 to 76 schools,” Lindsey Murphy, ECU director of marketing, said. “In 2009 we gave away 15 grants with a donation of $6,000. It keeps getting bigger due to more employee participation and the generosity of our board of directors.”

The Pocket Change Grant program began in 2009 in response to budget cuts in education across the state. Employees of the Education Credit Union raise funds for these grants by donating monthly for the privilege to wear jeans on Fridays. Their board of directors matches employee contributions, doubling the amount of funds available for grants.

“Many of our students don’t have the background experiences they need to be successful. This grant allows me to pay for field trips which will give experience to my special education students,” Lindy Robinson, special education teacher at Lee said. “Early this year we went to the Tri-State fair and toured the exhibits, watched skits and even sampled some treats. I hope to schedule a trip to Wildcat Bluff this spring.”