Xcel Energy has been a supporter of the EDGE Mentoring Program for two years. Xcel has made monetary donations in return for employee volunteer hours. Grant awards have also been given as well as an in-kind contribution of computers. The EDGE is proud to a small part of a corporation that truly gives back to its community.

The Lubbock Area Foundation has also been a support of the mentoring program in Ralls. LAF has awarded two grants that have assisted in the afterschool component. The LAF staff have also assisted in training our staff in how to seek other funds.

The Junior League of Lubbock has an impact area of assisting with hunger in the Lubbock region. That is exactly the manner in which they have assisted our afterschool program by providing funds for snacks and drinks for the children.

Walmart has shown support of the EDGE mentoring program by assisting the program with snacks and drinks for the afterschool program.

United has also given to the EDGE program by contributing snacks and drinks as well as cooking items for the cooking class used in the afterschool program.

Lawrence Brothers of Ralls has donated snacks and drinks as well as cooking ingredients for meals used in mentor training. The Ralls store has also promoted our program verbally and assisted in providing volunteers.

Target has also contributed to the EDGE program by providing gift cards for materials needed for mentoring.

Joe Hurst of Hurst Farm Supply in Lorenzo, Texas, contributes to assist the EDGE Mentoring program. Not only has a monetary gift been donated, but numerous contacts and suggestions of how to fundraise has been of great help. Joe truly supports community efforts.

The Haney Foundation has provided grant monies to the EDGE program for class materials and kitchen appliances for the ART Center located in the upstairs of the old Masonic Lodge which is being renovated for additional teaching space.

The Wheeler Foundation has given greatly to the surrounding communities of Crosby County. This grant program has provided funds for snacks and drinks, supplies and materials, and for field trips.

The Texas DPS Officers of several counties have made major contributions to the EDGE mentoring program. Four to five officers serve as mentors each year in the program by giving up one hour a week to spend time with a young man. Their efforts have had great impact on the program. In addition to their time and effort, the Texas DPS Officers Association has contributed funds to assist with the drug prevention lessons that take place on a daily basis. These officers do not only provide safety for our community, they provide prevention.

The Ralls ISD has always been a strong supporter of the mentoring program and allows mentors to meet with children on the school campuses. However, the school board has taken it a step further by providing a great amount of the funds needed to continue the program in the next year.

The City of Ralls has seen the impact the mentoring program has made on the community. Therefore, the city council has chosen to give in-kind contributions to the program. This gift will have great benefits for future years.

The ladies organization of St. Michael's has made a contribution towards snacks and drinks for the afterschool program.

The Girls Scouts Troop 6068 has given a donation of girl scout cookies to assist with the snacks for the afterschool program. The troop also presented an "Improving Community Excellence Award."

There have been several private donations given to assist in the sustainability of this program. If you or someone you know is interested in giving, please contact Virginia Torres at the Security Bank of Ralls by calling (806) 253- 2511. All proceeds will be tax exempt.