[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 65 (Wednesday, May 20, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E916]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    NORMAN THOMAS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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                         HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 20, 1998

  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the generous 
efforts of 560 Norman Thomas Elementary School students and staff in 
Freer, Texas, to collect thousands of cans and boxes of food for the 
Freer Food Bank. The school's venture helped stock the pantries of 70 
neighbors in desperate need of food.
  This good deed is especially remarkable because about two-thirds of 
the Norman Thomas Elementary School students qualify for free or 
reduced school lunches. Despite the personal challenges many of these 
students face they saw a need to help those less fortunate than 
themselves and learned a very valuable lesson while volunteering in 
their community.
  For their efforts the school was recognized with a community award by 
the USA Weekend magazine sponsored by Make a Difference Day. The 
students and staff at Norman Thomas Elementary School have made a 
difference which will help feed people in their community. Volunteering 
in one's community sets a high standard for better living. And such a 
young group of individuals accomplishing community goals means Freer, 
Texas, will look forward to a fruitful future.

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