The times are changing in the world of Texas childcare. The state privatizes services to abused children in South Texas on January 1, 2007. HCYR and BSRC are included. With an insurance model imminent, only the commitment of our Ranch family can guarantee that our children will never become mere statistics in an actuarial table. At least not on our watch.

With a family as large as ours, we are in constant need of material supplies and reusable items. Without the gift of such items from friends, we could never afford to operate such a quality program for children.

In this Corral, we featured stories on the ag barn at the Big Springs campus. It is a beautiful state-of-the-art complex, but operating it is expensive, and the program is constantly in need of additional supplies and materials. Items such as saddles, horse blankets, riding gear and apparel would help tool us up. In fact, any tack or grooming items would be greatly appreciated. If you’d like to contribute, visit, or find out more, please contact Michael Priour at the Big Springs Ranch barn at (830) 232-7136.

Meanwhile, Development Director Angela Tijerina is already preparing for the kids’ favorite season, and even though the temperature still reaches the 90 degree mark, Angela reminds us that Christmas is just around the corner. Organizing Christmas gifts for nearly 100 children is a daunting task each year. Each child fills out a "wish list", which is then sent to Santa. For many of our children, this is the first place they have ever lived that makes sure Santa has their address. In fact, he visits them at the Community Center each December, filling each individual stocking on the Ranch’s 40-foot long mantle.

You can help Santa by adopting a child for Christmas. You can do the shopping yourself, or provide funds and we’ll send you pictures of the gifts and children you’ve helped. For more information, please contact Angela Tijerina at the HCYR campus at (830) 367-2131.

With a family as large as ours, we are in constant need of material supplies and reusable items. Without the gift of such items from friends, we could never afford to operate such a quality program for children.

"It’s the most amazing support group I’ve ever seen" is a comment often heard about the HCYR and BSRC Auxiliaries. These groups provide children with an extended family of ambassadors, special event volunteers, thrift store workers, and mentors. If you want to join, or offer some of your time, call HCYR at 367-2131 or BSRC at 232-4121 to get information on the volunteer program, or stop by either of the thrift stores (Ingram on Hwy 27, or downtown Leakey) and find out how to join the fun.

The HCYR Auxiliary just completed its Annual Style Show (Sept. 25). The event has become a "must" on the Kerr social calendar, with models (Auxiliary members, local celebrities, and even the children) showcasing donated items off thrift shop racks. The event was accompanied by the always popular Silent Auction, which this year raised over $10,000 for the academic scholarship fund.

Over the past 30 years, with the help of its partners, the Youth Ranch has built two beautiful campuses, and sent over 1000 children out into the world. With both villages nearing completion physically, the challenge has shifted to the long-term operation and maintenance of the villages.

In addition to perennial efforts like the thrift stores and the Memorials Program, the HCYR Foundation is key to securing the future for our children. The Foundation is a permanent fund whose principal cannot be touched, and which provides for Ranch operations through income (interest and dividends). A gift to the Foundation is a gift that never stops giving, and will always be at work, providing for children – as far into the future as anyone can imagine.

Ed and Trudy Brune of Fredericksburg, partners in the development of both villages, have now offered another gift, this time in the form of a challenge grant. The Brunes have pledged to match every dollar up to $1,000,000 given to the Foundation by other donors. It’s another big mountain in our journey, but with the Brunes at our side, we have faith that other angels will meet us on the way!

Recent developments in federal tax law have made such gifts even more attractive to donors. For example, the Pension Protection Act of 2006 opens up new options for charitable giving from IRAs when owners reach age 70. An IRA owner can give up to $100,000 directly to a charitable organization, such as HCYR, with the double advantage that the withdrawal is tax free and the gift is tax deductible. Anyone interested in giving to the Foundation can call Executive Director Gary Priour at 830-367-2131.