09/02/2026
Community Shows Generous Support at UA Hope-Texarkana Free Family Movie Night Benefiting Hope In Action
The University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana extends its sincere thanks to the community for making the recent Free Family Movie Night at Hempstead Hall a success and for showing tremendous support for Hope In Action.
The UAHT Chancellor’s Office hosted the free showing of Disney Pixar’s Hoppers on Friday, August 28, inviting families and friends from throughout the area to enjoy an evening together while helping neighbors in need. Attendees were encouraged to bring canned goods and other non-perishable food items for Hope In Action.
Thanks to the generosity of those who attended, more than 100 food items were donated to Hope In Action to help support individuals and families facing food insecurity in Hempstead County.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us for this special evening and especially to those who generously donated food to Hope In Action,” said UAHT Chancellor Dr. Ricky Tompkins. “The response from our community demonstrates what can happen when we come together to care for our neighbors. At UA Hope-Texarkana, our mission extends beyond the classroom. We are the community’s college, and we strive to give back to the people we serve and build bridges to brighter futures for our students, families, and neighbors throughout our region.”
Hope In Action serves more than 3,000 people each year in Hempstead County, providing temporary safe shelter, meals, basic necessities, and essential support to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity and homelessness.
Hope In Action Board President Paul Henley expressed his appreciation to UAHT and the community for the generous donation.
“We are extremely thankful to Dr. Tompkins, Hempstead Hall, UAHT, and everyone who attended the movie night and donated to Hope In Action,” Henley said. “More than 1,000 cans of food will make a meaningful difference for the individuals and families we serve. Donations like this help us continue meeting important needs right here in our community, and it is encouraging to see so many people come together to support their neighbors. We sincerely appreciate UAHT for choosing to use this event as an opportunity to give back and support the work of Hope In Action.”
Hope In Action operates the Hope In Action Food Pantry at 606 W. Third St. in Hope and the City of Hope Shelter at 2500 Highway 67 West.
UAHT thanks everyone who attended the movie night, donated food, helped organize the event, and supported Hope In Action. The overwhelming generosity shown during the event reflects the strong spirit of service and compassion that exists throughout the community.
“Events like this are about much more than providing a fun evening for families,” Tompkins added. “They give us an opportunity to bring people together for a greater purpose. We are proud to be part of a community that responds so generously when there is an opportunity to help others.”
UA Hope-Texarkana remains committed to serving Southwest Arkansas through education, workforce development, partnerships, outreach, and community engagement. By working alongside local organizations and community members, the college strives to create opportunities, strengthen connections, and build bridges to brighter futures for the region it serves.
Pictured left to right: Dr. Ricky Tompkins, UAHT Chancellor; Sherry Hamilton, HIA Director; Caley Tucker, Hempstead Hall Assistant Director; Jessica Beaver, Hempstead Hall Director.
