September 2, 2026 - Grants from the John Reagan Harris Community Fund held at East Texas Communities Foundation (ETCF) in Tyler, Texas, were awarded to Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center, Fannie Brown Booth Memorial Library, Shelby County Outreach Ministries, Inc, West Shelby County VFD, Happy Tails Adoption Center, Regional East Texas Food Bank, and the City of Center.
West Shelby County Volunteer Fire Department received funding to purchase a pumper brush fire truck and the purchase of personal protection equipment for their firefighters. “This funding will help ensure our volunteer firefighters have the reliable equipment they need to respond safely and effectively when our community needs us most,” said Tara Nachman, West Shelby County VFD Secretary. “As a rural volunteer department with limited resources, investments in updated equipment make a tremendous difference in our ability to protect our firefighters while responding to fires, vehicle accidents, severe weather and other emergencies. We are grateful for this support and the added protection it will provide for both our volunteers and the families we serve.” The West Shelby County Volunteer Fire Department serves its rural Shelby County community by protecting lives and property through volunteer emergency response, fire prevention and community education.
“John Reagan Harris was a generous benefactor, giving both his time and his resources to many groups and worthy causes in and around Center,” said Kyle Penney, President of ETCF. “The John Reagan Harris Community Fund was established to support worthy civic, religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational projects which benefit the Center, Texas, community. We are honored to carry on his legacy in the community he loved.”
Other recipients include:
- Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center, government resources support
- Fannie Brown Booth Memorial Library, WIFI equipment and mobile hot spots
- Shelby County Outreach Ministries, Inc, support for 66 emergency food boxes
- Happy Tails Adoption Center, spay & neuter program
- Regional East Texas Food Bank, food distribution support
- City of Center, signage at American Legion Park Entrance
About ETCF.org
East Texas East Texas Communities Foundation is a nonprofit corporation serving 32 counties in East Texas. The Foundation distributed $18.7 million in grants in 2025 and currently manages over $160 million in over 510 unique charitable funds which support non-profit organizations and student scholarships. The Foundation, which was formed in 1989, has awarded over $200 million in grants and scholarships since its inception. Philanthropy builds community and changes lives. East Texas Communities Foundation supports philanthropy by offering simple ways for donors to achieve their charitable goals.
