TAMIU-Adelante Holds Troop Benefit this Weekend

In observance of the 10th Anniversary of 9.11, Texas A&M International University’s TAMIU-Adelante (AmeriCorps) has joined forces with the TAMIU Tennis Club, Laredo Tennis Association, and United States Tennis Association for a care package creation and tennis tournament event dubbed “Pack and Play for Our Troops” this weekend.
 
Mayra Skopal, TAMIU-Adelante program manager, said the group will accept items to create care packages for Adopt-A-Unit, a group of  approximately 200 soldiers serving in Kuwait.

“We’ll be accepting items including: 4 oz. hand sanitizer, pairs of athletic socks, baby powder, disposable razors, baby wipes, hard candy, sunscreen, beef jerky, letters of support, $10 postage sponsorships, protein bars or granola bars, sunflower seeds and nuts, 100+ Lip Balm. In addition to sending care packages, we will also be sending portable tennis equipment for our soldiers to enjoy,” Skopal said.
 
The tennis tournament will be held September 9-11 at the Market Street Tennis Courts and the entry deadline is Friday, September 9 at 12 noon. Individuals can choose from playing singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.      
 
“Supporters do not have to play, but can still join us and bring their care package items Saturday, September 10 at the Market Street Tennis Courts from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Those donating five items or more will receive a free tennis lesson for one hour.  A 25-item donation will provide a free tennis lesson for two people on Saturday, September 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Market Street Tennis Courts,” Skopal explained.

This event is open to the public and all community  members are encouraged to  participate.
 
Adelante is an AmeriCorps program that works together with TAMIU’s GEAR UP, CAMP, and HEP to provide services focused on community service, parent outreach, youth educational attainment to economically disadvantaged, first-generation college students, migrant and seasonal workers in Laredo, Eagle Pass, Del Rio, Cotulla, Carrizo Springs, Crystal City, Zapata, Hebbronville, Benavides and San Diego.
 
For more information, please contact Skopal at mskopal@tamiu.edu or at 956.326.3161.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu