WCEC Members Assist in Gift of Adoption Grant to Local Family
Every year, members of Wharton County Electric Cooperative contribute up to $20,000 to local charities by opting to round up their monthly electricity bill. Operation Round Up began in 2003, and currently, 62% of WCEC’s members participate. Since that time, the WCEC membership has donated over $460,000 to local nonprofit organizations.
One of those organizations is the Texas Chapter of Gift of Adoption. The local chapter of Gift of Adoption helps complete adoptions for children in vulnerable circumstances to families living in the WCEC service area.
Recently, funds donated to Gift of Adoption through WCEC on behalf of our members were used to help a local family adopt one of those vulnerable children.
Chase was born in January 2023 to a birth mother who felt unable to parent at that time. She chose adoption for Chase after his birth so that he would have the safety and opportunities that she desired for him.
Rachel and Charles of El Campo had adopted once before, but they felt they had room in their home and hearts for another child and were thrilled to receive the surprise call about Chase. They had not yet saved enough for another adoption but wanted to give Chase the loving home they knew they could provide.
A grant from Gift of Adoption Texas, made possible by the members of Wharton County Electric Cooperative, covered the final fees for their adoption, which was completed in April 2023, ensuring permanency and stability for Chase.
Parents Charles and Rachel provided the following 18-month post-adoption update:
“Chase is a tornado and loves to run all over the house with his blanket. He loves to play with his big brother (most of the time). Talking is the newest. His favorite words are ‘no,’ ‘Halloween,’ ‘cookie,’ ‘ball,’ ‘football,’ and ‘go, go, go’ (while watching football) – it doesn’t matter who is playing or even if it’s a good play.”
The Gift of Adoption Fund is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that provides grants averaging $5,000 to help local families finalize adoptions. Each year, Gift of Adoption Texas receives requests from approximately 60 qualified families - representing a funding need of $300,000.
The goal of the Texas Chapter’s all-volunteer board is to raise enough funds to help complete each of these adoptions. 100% of the money raised by the chapter is directed to uniting children with loving families in the area. As of December 31, 2024, Gift of Adoption has awarded $1,120,000 in adoption assistance grants across Texas to complete the adoptions of 327 children.
Gift of Adoption Texas Chapter President Adam Pfeil was born and raised in El Campo, and his late father, Calvin Pfeil Jr., was a member of the Board of Directors for WCEC. He invites all who are interested in seeing children find permanent families to explore the many opportunities below offered by Gift of Adoption Texas.
Give a tax-deductible donation any time.
Become a Board Member with the Texas Chapter.
To learn more, please get in touch with Texas Chapter President Adam Pfeil at herr_pfeil@msn.com.
The Texas Chapter is very active and hosts events throughout the year, like their 5th Annual Meat Raffle, 11th Annual Softball Tournament, Pickleball Tournament, and an Axe Throwing Tournament, to name a few.
Visit the Texas Chapter website at https://giftofadoption.org for updates on these events, to apply for an adoption assistance grant, or to learn more about Gift of Adoption.