For November’s Give Me 5 Donor of the Month, we’re honored to feature Nelda Garcia, the longest-giving employee at IDEA Public Schools. Her unwavering support has helped pave the way for countless students, and her dedication to Give Me 5 is a testament to her belief in the power of education. As a first-generation college graduate, Nelda knows the challenges of navigating higher education and the powerful impact that financial support can have. Her journey and commitment to Give Me 5 come from a deeply personal place, and her dedication serves as an inspiration to all of us.
“I continue to donate to Give Me 5 year after year because of the impact it has on recipients,” Nelda shares. This impact goes beyond mere financial support; it’s about creating possibilities. “As a 1st generation college student myself, I know the monetary struggles students and families may encounter in their decision to proceed on the road to college.” Today, she feels privileged to help ease that burden for students who find themselves in similar situations.
Nelda’s work as a Student Recruiter has given her a unique perspective on the difference that Give Me 5 makes. She recalls how, for many families, the idea of sending their children to college felt out of reach because of financial constraints. “In my time as a Student Recruiter, prospective families would gasp at the thought of sending their kids to college because of their low-income status,” Nelda says. Watching those same families reach College Signing Day fills her with pride. “Seeing those same families I recruited at CSD is like ‘icing on the cake.’”
Nelda’s hope is that Give Me 5 will continue to expand its reach and serve even more students each year. “These students are our future, and we must invest in them for a better tomorrow,” she reflects. This vision guides her own giving, and she encourages others to consider joining her by making small sacrifices, whether that’s “1 less cup of coffee a week, 1 takeout meal, it’s little to you but makes a difference in one of our students’ lives.”
In Nelda’s words, donating to Give Me 5 is not about grand gestures or large sums; it’s about “watering a seed that has already been planted.” With every gift, she invests in a future where today’s scholars can pursue their dreams and, one day, return that generosity to their communities.
As IDEA’s longest-giving employee, Nelda Garcia exemplifies the heart and mission of Give Me 5. Through her support, she is helping IDEA scholars not just to attend college but to envision a brighter future for themselves and their families. We’re proud to feature her story this month, and we hope it inspires others to make a difference, one small act of giving at a time.
