The community and Austin ISD donors showed generous support to district students and staff members affected by the Oct. 31 flooding in Central Texas with a combined contribution of $142,900 to date.

About 360 students and 25 AISD staff members lost their homes or were temporarily displaced due to extensive flood damage.

"We are grateful to the numerous families and businesses who are helping our students, families and team members rebuild their lives after the devastating floods," Superintendent Meria Carstarphen said. "We are thankful to everyone who has already given of their resources and ask the community to continue to give, as they are able, to support the ongoing needs of our families."

In appreciation of the hundreds of volunteers and community members who helped support AISD families affected by the area floods last month, AISD’s Board of Trustees approved a resolution during the regular board meeting Monday, Nov. 25, recognizing the schools, organizations and people who offered support, donations and assistance to students, staff members and AISD families to help them recover and rebuild. Since the Halloween floods, the Austin community has come together for AISD families--from first responders such as emergency management teams and police and fire departments to city officials, civic and business leaders, non-profit organizations, churches, community organizers, district team members and leaders, and countless individuals.

In addition to time and volunteer support, many others have also donated funds to help families rebuild. Jeanne and Michael Klein donated $50,000 to The Austin Project for direct assistance for families with children enrolled in AISD as well as for district employees who also were displaced by the storms.

In addition, the Tapestry and Buena Vista foundations joined efforts last week to each provide a $20,000 challenge grant for a total of a $40,000 contribution to The Austin Project for assistance.

Those grants were matched and exceeded, thanks to a $20,000 donation from the Moody Foundation, a $15,000 donation from Wells Fargo, a $10,000 donation from Sandy and Lisa Gottesman and additional donations from The Links, Inc.-Town Lake Chapter and MWM Design Group.

Additional support has been provided through contributions from the superintendent, her senior cabinet and AISD board of trustees.

"We continue to work with The Austin Project to provide support to students and staff," Michelle Wallis, executive director of The Department of Innovation and Development, said. "We appreciate the incredible generosity of the Austin community. Their contributions will help provide critical support as AISD families rebuild."

To make a contribution to AISD students and staff affected by the floods, please visit The Austin Project's "Get Involved" section at http://theaustinproject.org/get-involved/donate.