A group of middle school students who wanted to help people in Brown County, organized a group they like to call Students with a Goal or SWAG, and recently donated many cases of bottled water to area fire departments.
These students have decided to give their most precious commodity, their time, to help raise needed things for area organizations. The group is currently composed of 7th & 8th grade students at Brownwood Middle School; however they are seeking to increase their membership which is open to students of all ages in Brown County.
SWAG students arrived Saturday morning, May 21st, to offer 88 cases of bottled water to all Brown County fire departments, whether paid or volunteer. The departments represented Saturday who picked up their donations (11 cases each), were Brownwood Fire Department, Lake Dam Volunteer Fire Department, Lake Bridge Volunteer Fire Department, and Bangs Volunteer Fire Department.
The cases of water were a result of a fundraising effort by the SWAG group on May 15th when they spent hours in front of Hastings collecting cases of water or cash donations to purchase water. That day, they collected cases of water as well as $150 in cash, which was used to purchase more water.
Pictured above are SWAG members (back row) Jennifer Martinez, (front row) Heaven Walker, Nicole Gravitt, Bailey Watkins, and Delaney Bennett with members of the Brownwood Fire Department, Bangs VFD, Lake Bridge VFD, Lake Dam VFD and Zephyr VFD.
These firefighters were very appreciative of the SWAG donation of water.
“Thank you very much, believe me, on a fire we’ll need it,” said James Redding of Bangs VFD.
Fire Marshal Buddy Preston appreciated the effort put into the project.
“I thank every one of you. It’s nice when kids get out and do things,” said Preston.
Their sponsor, Jaime Watkins, said the organization is growing and a sister club is being formed in Nashville, Tennessee.
When asked if the club will keep working during the summer, member Bailey Watkins said they plan to continue doing something good.
“We want to keep going in the summer, try to do something, visit a nursing home or something,” stated Watkins.
In the coming months, three activities are already planned:
June 6th: SWAG will be at the front entrance of Staples collecting items for the Brownwood satellite office of the Hill Country Child Advocacy Center. Items desired for the center are office supplies, blank DVDs (for interview recordings), board games and snacks.
June 25th: 11:00-2:00pm SWAG will at the entrance of Wal-Mart, having a brisket sandwich sale and raising money for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Brown County.
July 23rd: SWAG is planning a huge event they are calling SWAG Fest at Heartland Mall which will benefit the Caring Family Network. SWAG Fest is an all day event featuring a friendly competition for Brown County Students. Students can compete in these categories: Jewelry Making, Cake Decorating, Glam Shots, Photography, Poem Writing, and Art. All proceeds will be donated to the Caring Family Network. Fees to participate in the contests: $20 for one entry, or $15 per entry for two or more entries.
For information regarding membership, making a donation or SWAG Fest, please visit
