UVALDE, Texas — It’s been nearly three years since 21 people, 19 children and two teachers, were killed by a gunman at Robb Elementary in Uvalde.
Tess Mata is one of the 21 Uvalde angels. On Wednesday, the eve of her birthday, her family started a new nonprofit in her name.
“We want to make sure that her memory is carried on,” Tess’ mom, Veronica Mata, said.
“[We want to] honor her in a way that you know, the community wouldn’t forget,” Tess’ dad, Jerry Mata, said.
Veronica and Jerry are talking about their daughter, Tess. Tess was 10 years old when she was killed in the 2022 mass shooting.
“Even though it’s been 3 years it’s like it was just yesterday that everything happened,” Veronica said.
Hours before Tess’ birthday, her family launched a nonprofit in her name. “Gloves for Tess” looks to help those who play baseball and softball, just like Tess did.
“We wanted to make sure that it was something that it was going to be meaningful and something that we knew that she would be proud of,” Veronica said.
The donations collected will allow them to buy softball and baseball gloves for children in need. Their first goal is to raise enough money to buy 13 gloves in honor of Tess’ 13th birthday on Thursday.
“I think she would be so happy that, you know, she’s going to be, you know, her organization is going to be doing something like that,” Jerry said.
A legacy of helping others they know Tess would be proud of.
“I hope that she can hear us and know that we miss her every day and that we, you know, we love her,” Veronica said.
Click here if you would like to learn more about the non-profit or donate.