A couple that lives nearly a thousand miles from Terrell, TX gave back, in a big way, to students in the town that touched their hearts more than 50 years ago. It all started when TISD second grade teacher Brandy Pearson’s set up an online fundraiser through Donors Choose to purchase books for students to read during Thanksgiving break.
Pearson explained that the fundraising deadline was just days away, and the money donated had not met the required goal. That is, until it caught the eye of former Terrell residents, Gilman and Mary Hallenbeck. With one day before the fundraising deadline, Pearson learned that the former Terrell couple had generously funded the rest of the campaign.
“I was so excited and couldn’t believe it,” Pearson explained. “The Hallenbeck’s told me they had a wonderful experience living here in the 1960s and they wanted to give back to the community.”
The Hallenbeck’s moved to Terrell in 1962 when Gilman, who was in the Army, was stationed in town. Although they only lived in Terrell for two years, the time spent in the community made a lasting impression on the couple.
“Mary and I always had fond memories of Terrell, and this donation is a small payback for the wonderful way we were treated by the citizens of Terrell,” writes Hallenbeck. “It is nice after all these years to be in a position where we can help the children of Terrell in a small way. Reading is so important. We hope they enjoy the books.”
The Hallenbeck’s generous contribution will directly impact the education of TISD students and speaks to the true meaning of being Terrell Proud. On behalf of our community, students and schools, thank you Gilman and Mary Hallenbeck for investing in the lives of our students.
Pearson explained that the fundraising deadline was just days away, and the money donated had not met the required goal. That is, until it caught the eye of former Terrell residents, Gilman and Mary Hallenbeck. With one day before the fundraising deadline, Pearson learned that the former Terrell couple had generously funded the rest of the campaign.
“I was so excited and couldn’t believe it,” Pearson explained. “The Hallenbeck’s told me they had a wonderful experience living here in the 1960s and they wanted to give back to the community.”
The Hallenbeck’s moved to Terrell in 1962 when Gilman, who was in the Army, was stationed in town. Although they only lived in Terrell for two years, the time spent in the community made a lasting impression on the couple.
“Mary and I always had fond memories of Terrell, and this donation is a small payback for the wonderful way we were treated by the citizens of Terrell,” writes Hallenbeck. “It is nice after all these years to be in a position where we can help the children of Terrell in a small way. Reading is so important. We hope they enjoy the books.”
The Hallenbeck’s generous contribution will directly impact the education of TISD students and speaks to the true meaning of being Terrell Proud. On behalf of our community, students and schools, thank you Gilman and Mary Hallenbeck for investing in the lives of our students.
