La Porte citizen, Glynda Oliver, presented the president of the La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce, Jeff Martin, with a check for $1,000 to benefit La Porte ISD student scholarships. Oliver has raised the funds by accepting monetary donations for walking sticks she has produced with the support of her family and friends.
“We are extremely humbled and blessed to have such kind-hearted individuals in our community,” states Martin. “It’s what makes La Porte such a great community.” Martin went on to point out the Student Scholarship Fund, maintained primarily by chamber events and fundraisers along with private donations, is dispersed to local students throughout the year as a direct benefit of the kindness of individuals and business entities in our area.
Oliver has hand-crafted over 300 walking sticks which she has placed in strategic locations across the city which can be purchased for a suggested cash donation of $30. Each of the walking sticks has been made from the limbs of Crepe Myrtle trees grown only in La Porte and takes approximately six hours to complete. “I want everyone to know about the walking sticks so that if they want to donate to student scholarships too, they can. Plus, you get to take a piece of La Porte home with you!” she explains. “Then, when I’m on the operating table and a former student who received a scholarship saves my life, it’s come full circle!”
Currently, you can find the walking sticks at the chamber of commerce, Ed’s Bistro, RE/MAX Excellence, and And Sew It Began Quilt Shop. To learn more about the walking sticks and how you can be involved, contact Glynda Oliver at oliverglynda@att.net.
