EDGEWOOD, Texas — The mission is to give back to Edgewood ISD. For several years, an organization made up of graduates have been raising thousands of dollars for scholarships. But, that's not all they do. 'Compadres for Scholarships' also gives back for Thanksgiving.
Three of its members talked about the important work they do, including Simon Guajardo, Raul Martinez and Juan Martinez. Juan is the president of the organization. The three men are also all graduates of the 1967 class.
"We just try to help as much as we can," Juan said.
"We have a lot of pride in what we do," Raul said.
It's main purpose is not only scholarships, but also giving back to Edgewood families.
"They matter a lot," Guajardo said. "At this point and time of our lives we are really happy that we have continued to do it."
They are compadres and comadres made up of about 30 members.
"We are just a group of elderly men and ladies who give out, and try to help students get a better education," Juan said.
Last year, more than $90,000 was raised in scholarships.
"We want to give opportunities to the students to be better off than what we were," Juan said.
They also have their Memorial Day ceremony. For Thanksgiving, they give baskets to 40 families packed with a Thanksgiving meal. The food went to families of Edgewood ISD who need it most.
"We have gone to houses with abuelitas, the grandmothers are taking care of 10 grandchildren," Juan said. "It is hard for a grandmother to take care of those."
"We just feel, we have this mission to help," Guajardo said.
The group also gives meals to families around Christmas too.