Entergy Texas partners with United Way of Greater Houston to provide much-needed school supplies

SPLENDORA, TX -- Pencils, pens, notebooks, crayons, scissors, and rulers --- these are just a few of the many supplies essential to helping students learn, study and grow.

While Entergy Texas is best known for providing power to communities in Southeast Texas, the electric company is equally dedicated to powering education. To help set up students for a successful school year, the company partnered with the United Way of Greater Houston to provide $165,000 worth of much-needed school supplies for all six Montgomery County school districts – Conroe ISD, New Caney ISD, Magnolia ISD, Montgomery ISD, Splendora ISD, and Willis ISD.

“Back-to-school needs can be costly, especially when many families in our communities are already facing financial challenges,” said Eliecer Viamontes, president and CEO of Entergy Texas. “By partnering with United Way of Greater Houston, we’re able to ease the burden of school supply shopping for teachers, students and families, providing the foundation for a strong education and a brighter future.”

According to the most recent data from the United Way ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) report, 24% of individuals and families in Montgomery County struggle to afford basic monthly necessities. Sending a child back to school places added pressure on the family budget, with a 2023 Deloitte study finding that the U.S. average back to school spending is $596 per child including school supplies, clothes and required technology. Considering these factors, resources such as school supplies can be helpful for many students and families.

It is estimated that this initiative will positively impact 50,000 students and families, with a total of 30,000 pounds of supplies donated.

“Partnering with Entergy Texas to support our teachers and students in Montgomery County is a wonderful illustration of United Way’s mission to connect people with possibility,” said Amanda McMillian, president and CEO, United Way of Greater Houston. “Education creates possibility, so whether it’s after-school programs or school supplies, we want to help young people succeed.”

Entergy Texas and United Way volunteers helped sort and pack supplies before hand-delivering the materials to classrooms in Montgomery County Wednesday. All six school districts will receive supplies before the end of October, and each district will determine how to best distribute the supplies throughout the year.