GEO News

State Rep. Abel Herrero and The GEO Group on Thursday announced a donation of more than $137,000 in food to the Coastal Bend Food Bank.

"We identified that the Coastal Bend Food Bank was the best place that we would be able to extend the most help to individuals in our community," said Herrero, D-Robstown. "We want to make sure this donation will obviously go a long way in helping families share a meal with loved ones this holiday season."

Beatriz Hanson, executive director of the food bank, said the donation will help ensure area residents will not worry about having food in their homes this holiday.

"We want to help the families that need help so they won't have to go grocery shopping," Hanson said. "They can use the money they have on other things they need." 

The GEO Group is a for-profit company that operates detention centers. Brothers Commissary, a GEO Group vendor, donated the $137,969.28 in food Wednesday on behalf of three correctional facilities it services, including the Coastal Bend Detention Center, as well as Hildalgo and Brooks County Detention Center.

"We're honored to play a small part of providing food for the less fortunate, especially at this time of year," Ty Foreman, president of the Brother Correctional Services, said. "Through the efforts of GEO’s assistance... the spirit of Christmas, joy, peace and happiness will come to so many."

“The GEO Group is very appreciative of this very kind donation to the Coastal Bend Food Bank and together we hope it will provide food to both those effected by Hurricane Harvey as well as others in need,” GEO Group Inc. Vice President Pablo E. Paez stated in a news release.

Pictured left to right: Brooks County Detention Center Warden Javier Aleman, Coastal Bend Detention Center Warden Butch Head, Coastal Bend Food Bank Executive Director Beatriz Hanson, State Representative Abel Herrero, and Brother Commissary President Ty Foreman.