With the Christmas gift giving spirit in mind, we’re excited for Internacional’s third year of sponsoring Christmas gifts for the children of Big Springs Ranch. It’s amazing to see our team members across all of our properties pull together to give back to our community. This year, we were able to obtain wish list gift ideas from 47 children. In the past, we exceeded our goal of having each property sponsoring one child. This year, we hope for full participation so each child will have the opportunity to receive a gift this Christmas season!
Big Springs Ranch for Children is dedicated to providing long-term therapeutic care and substitute parenting for abused and abandoned children all over Texas. Big Springs Ranch, located in Leakey, Texas, was donated in 1996 by Oma Bell Perry to build a children’s home. Before that, Miss Perry was ranching its rugged canyons with goats and cattle for 75 years. The ranch extends 7,000 acres through what Texans refer to as “the country of 1,100 springs,” surrounding the headwaters of the Frio River and four miles of its banks. The healing qualities of the canyons echoing with sounds of the river and wildlife were well-known to Oma Bell. She was right in her belief that nature can help bring fulfillment and happiness to any wounded child.
The ranch offers a thriving village with 8 family-style houses for children, grandparent cottages nearby, and K-12 charter schools. Education and recreational activities are available to all children including horseback riding, animal care, cattle ranching, athletic fields, a gym, a chapel, a vocational shop, a general store, a community center, and a library.
We are excited for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of such deserving children!