Texas Children’s hosting donation drive to support Ukrainians
KPRC 2 is proud to partner with Texas Children’s, which is supporting Ukraine by hosting a donation drive at specific Texas Children’s locations Monday, April 18 through Saturday, April 23. The much-needed supplies will be gathered, sorted and shipped to the people of Ukraine.
Texas Children’s hosting donation drive to support Ukrainians
KPRC 2 is proud to partner with Texas Children’s, which is supporting Ukraine by hosting a donation drive at specific Texas Children’s locations Monday, April 18 through Saturday, April 23. The much-needed supplies will be gathered, sorted and shipped to the people of Ukraine.
GiGi’s Playhouse Sugar Land gives hope to mother after baby diagnosed with down syndrome
When Benita Leon discovered she was pregnant, she and her husband were overjoyed with excitement, hopes and plans for their baby’s future. Those hopes and plans came to sudden halt when a doctor delivered the news that their baby was diagnosed with down syndrome. Uncertain for what the future would now hold for her child, Leon felt overwhelmed and helpless. Luckily, help was on the way to guide her and her family through their journey.
🔒 The 2021 winter freeze: When the power went out, these everyday Houston-area heroes offered hope, help
In February 2021, a brutal winter storm battered the state, overwhelming its power grids and forcing millions of Texans to scavenge for the basic elements for survival — food, water, and shelter from record cold.
Local legend: Houston’s Pancho Claus is coming to town in his zoot suit and lowrider
Sure, Santa is great, but have you met his cousin, or primo, Pancho Claus? He’s a zoot-suit-wearing, lowrider-driving Houstonian who has been passing out presents in the East End since the 1980s. Pancho Claus is a local legend in the Houston community who has even gained national attention, but this year he needs your help.
SWEET SCOOP: Katy ice cream shop creates job opportunities for adults with special needs
From classics like vanilla to gourmet flavors like Dr. Pepper Chocolate Chip, you can’t go wrong with any of the scoops at Howdy’s Homemade Ice Cream. The cherry on top? Knowing your icy sweet treat supports a really cool cause.
Operation Warm: national nonprofit provides new coats to Houston families in need
When people think of Houston weather, cold is not one of the first things that comes to mind. But because winters are typically short and sporadic in Space City, many Houstonians don’t prioritize purchasing winter coats, which can be quite expensive, and find themselves unprepared for sudden temperature drops. Luckily, one national nonprofit is working to help fill the need.
URGENT NEED: Help save Texas wildlife, donate dog and cat food
The Houston SPCA’s Wildlife Center of Texas has an urgent need for dog and cat food as they work to care for many late season baby and adult mammals. Each year, more than 12,000 injured or orphaned wild animals are brought to the rescue and rehabilitation facility.
BEST OF HL: Houston restaurant provides meaningful employment to adults with disabilities
Special people making special food, that’s the motto behind Belong Kitchen, the new restaurant in Memorial City that’s making big waves in the Houston community. As her daughter was getting ready to graduate from high school, Belong Kitchen founder Kim Brown realized that there was a severe lack of career opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). But, rather than wait for the world to change, Brown set out to change the world and prove that people like her daughter Ellie are capable of doing amazing things.
Don’t throw away those Mardi Gras beads: Here’s how to donate them for a good cause
Galveston is gearing up for its 111th annual Mardi Gras celebration, which will be held Feb. 18 through March 1, 2022. The event is expected to attract more than 350,000 attendees and will offer several different activities, from balcony bashes and live concerts to elegant balls and parades.
‘I needed to fight’: mother from Spring shares how her children helped her beat breast cancer
Fight or flight - those were the two choices Alison Randazzo faced after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. With two young children including a 6-month-old baby under her care, Randazzo knew she really only had one option: to fight for her life for the sake of her family.
Montrose bar manager wins national bartending competition geared towards fighting breast cancer
If you’re in need of some Monday motivation, this next story proves that if at first you don’t succeed, just try, try and try again. Sarah Troxell, The Toasted Coconut Beverage Director, did just that, competing in the national bartending competition, Speed Rack, three years in a row. This year, all her hard work finally paid off as she brought home the big win for H-Town and earned the title Season 9 Miss Speed Rack. Even better than bringing home the championship? Knowing it was all for a good cause: aiding the fight to end breast cancer.
Battle for Holden: Clear Creek High School students help community rally around a friend in need
On December 4, 2020, 18-year-old Holden James was in a tragic accident during football practice. Since then, his fellow students at Clear Creek High School in League City, Texas have rallied around James and his family to help raise funds and their spirits. James’ football coach, Brian Coffman, reflected on James’ talent both on and off the field.
Second chances: Houston nonprofit helps former inmates reach full potential
Many people believe everyone deserves a second chance, regardless of their past mistakes. One local nonprofit is putting that belief into action. CrossWalk Center helps change the lives of former inmates by providing the tools and resources needed to succeed upon re-entry into the community. Victor Martinez, a former client of the organization, shared his personal story in hopes of raising awareness about the life-changing program.
Megan Thee Stallion, Jonas Brothers added to McConaughey’s lineup for virtual concert benefiting Texas storm victims
On Thursday, Matthew McConaughey announced that he’s adding some really big names to his virtual benefit concert “We’re Texas.”McConaughey described the event as a “virtual revival where we can all come together to help Texas recover from the winter storm.”In a post on social media, McConaughey announced that these A-list celebrities had been added to the line-up:Angie HarmonChip and Joanna GainesClayton KershawDak PrescottJamie FoxJoe RoganThe Jonas BrothersJordan SpiethLiza KoshyMegan Thee StallionMichael StrahanSelena GomezStone Cold Steve AustinWoody HarrelsonTroy AikmanOn March 12, McConaughey announced the initial line-up which included music performances by Willie Nelson, Don Henley, Gary Clark Jr., George Strait, Kelly Clarkson, Khalid, Kirk Franklin, Leon Bridges, Lyle Lovett, Miranda Lambert, Post Malone and others. The event will be hosted by McConaughey and his wife Camila Alves McConaughey and will benefit the Just Keep Livin Texas Relief Fund. The concert will stream live on McConaughey’s YouTube channel at 7 p.m. on March 21. Ad“100% of all the donations will benefit so many organizations on the ground now and in the months to come,” wrote McConaughey in a social media post promoting the event. To donate or learn more, visit jklivinFoundation.org.
Houston Humane Society in urgent need of water donations, help after shelter suffers storm damage
HOUSTON – The Houston Humane Society is in “desperate need” of water donations after one of its wells sustained damage during the winter storm last week. The non-profit animal shelter has been operating without water since the winter storm. The shelter, which houses hundreds of animals in need, said its well pump broke after the intermittent power surges, leaving the facilities without access to running water. “We’ve been without water since the disaster,” said Houston Humane Society spokesperson Katie Fine. AdThe Houston Humane Society said anyone can come and donate water during business hours at the shelter located at 14700 Almeda Road.
Helping Hands: Houston teen starts nonprofit to help students find volunteer work
Haiqa Faheem, Founder of Houston Helping Hands, took it upon herself to start a nonprofit to help her peers as well as other students across the city. Haiqa Faheem, 16, founded the nonprofit Houston Helping Hands to help students find volunteer opportunities. Haiqa Faheem, 16, founded the nonprofit Houston Helping Hands to help students find volunteer opportunities. By September, Houston Helping Hands was formed. It’s completely high school student based.”Since launching in 2020, Houston Helping Hands and the Travis High School Chapter have hosted three drives.
Lucille’s 1913 to hold MLK Day food drives in Fort Bend, Fifth Ward
Lucille’s 1913, a non-profit run by Lucille’s chef-owner Chris Williams, will donate thousands of meals at food drives in Fort Bend County and Houston’s Fifth Ward on Monday, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, according to a release. At 11 a.m., Lucille’s 1913 will host two Food Distribution Drives in partnership with Fort Bend County. At 2 p.m., Lucille’s 1913 will distribute an additional 1,000 meals at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, located at 1510 Pannell St. in Houston’s Fifth Ward. Those who wish to pick up a meal at the Fifth Ward food drive must register and reserve their meal in advance on Eventbrite. Williams founded Lucille’s 1913 last year in response to the emerging coronavirus pandemic.
Houston Newsmakers: Houston-area nonprofits receive nearly 100 million dollars
Prairie View A & M University was a big winner toward the end of 2020 when it was awarded 50 million dollars by the Mackenzie Scott Foundation. Happy days for Houston Area nonprofits50 million dollars-Prairie View A & M University18 million dollars-YMCA of Greater Houston15 million dollars-Goodwill Industries Houston7 million dollars-Easter Seals of Greater Houston? Meals on Wheels Montgomery CountyYMCA of Greater HoustonAfter an aggressive pivot on priorities because of the pandemic, the YMCA of Greater Houston now has a much needed cushion for programs. Steve Lufburrow is the President and CEO and recounts his thoughts when told of his 15 million dollar award. More Information:Ruth Simmons, Ph.D., President, Prairie View A & M University· Website: https://www.pvamu.edu/· Twitter: @PVAMUStephen Ives, President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Houston· Website: https://www.ymcahouston.org/· Twitter: @YMCAHoustonSteve Lufburrow, President & CEO, Goodwill Industries Houston· Website: https://www.goodwillhouston.org· Twitter: @goodwillhoustonElise Hough, CEO Easter Seals of Greater Houston· Website: https://www.eastersealshouston.org/· Twitter: @eastersealshouSummer Day, President & CEO Meals on Wheels Montgomery County· Website: https://www.mowmc.org/· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mealsonwheelsmc/?ref=hl
Houston Astros Carlos Correa on his efforts to help the community amid COVID-19
HOUSTON Baseball season will probably look a bit different this year but that's not stopping Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa from staying busy. From food distribution to donating medical supplies, the Correa Family Foundation is pitching in to help many Houstonians. Im working out every morning, Ive been hitting, Ive got a cage in my backyard. Were working now with Borden to send 15,000 gallons of milk every single day and those are available to the public here in Houston, said Correa. Courtesy: (Correa Family Foundation)To donate to the Correa Family Foundation, click here.