GIVING

At KPRC 2, we’re proud to showcase those making a difference in the Houston area. Each month, we showcase a different nonprofit organization offering Houstonians a helping hand.

Houston is a great city. From its dynamic diversity to its booming economy, it’s no wonder so many are flocking to H-Town to call the city home. Unfortunately, some of the factors that make Houston great also make it a hub for something sinister: human trafficking.

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.

A local charity needs the public’s help in its push to bring Christmas cheer to some 500 area children.

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.

KPRC 2′s Bill Spencer launched the <a href="https://www.click2houston.com/topic/Spencer_Solves_It/" target="_blank">Spencer Solves It</a> project five years ago. The mission -- help viewers solve the problems that have been plaguing them for years.

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.

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.

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.

This weekend you can drink some of the best brews from around the country while giving back to local charities.

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.

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.

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.

The Kingwood Women’s Club has been serving the community for 35 years and after one of their own charter members became a breast cancer survivor the ladies saw the importance of giving access to mammograms for all women.

The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of many local children, thanks to a group of women honoring the legacy of the beloved first lady.

Since she left her hosting gig on the fourth hour of ‘TODAY’ in 2019, Kathie Lee Gifford has kept busy as a writer, actress, director, and producer.

During the pandemic, a local mom from Eastex Jensen came up with a unique way to provide an outlet for creativity in Houston’s diverse communities with little to no access to art.

A Houston-based organization with a goal of uplifting fatherhood wants volunteers to help make the first day of school a special one for area youth.

Four people were killed and 159 people remain unaccounted for after the collapse of a condominium building in Florida, officials said. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing.

A Montgomery County woman found a touching way to thank our troops for protecting our country.

Foodies, we’ve got stellar news for you -- One of Houston’s most anticipated food events of the year, Houston Restaurant Weeks, has begun. The event runs through Labor Day, September 6.

YES Prep Music Teacher Chrissy Lucivjansky and YES Prep Chief Program Officer, Nella Garcia Urban stopped by Houston Life to highlight the importance of music education for low-income students and received a wonderful surprise.

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.

A clean pair of socks can make a big difference to a homeless person, especially during wintertime; that’s something a high school senior from Pearland understood at a very young age.

Irma’s Original has been a staple for quality Tex-Mex food for more than 30 years.

Irma’s Original has been a staple for quality Tex-Mex food for more than 30 years.

Nichole Wilson is the founder and editor-in-chief of Autism Moms Are Beautiful (AMAB) Magazine, an incredible resource for moms raising children on the autism spectrum.

Many people believe everyone deserves a second chance, regardless of their past mistakes. One local nonprofit is putting that belief into action. <a href="https://crosswalkcenter.org/" target=_blank>CrossWalk Center</a> 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.

William Gray is a talented local singer-songwriter who is beating the odds and helping others along the way.

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 – 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.

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, 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.

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 – When Houston designer Alan González stopped by our studio in January to show us his latest collection, he had no idea face masks would be one of the most sought-after items in 2020. He's now making those masks with a new purpose and he shared with Houston Life details on these special designs. pic.twitter.com/48yPF70dx1 — Alan Gonzalez (@Alantude) April 24, 2020“It started with just her and I making about a hundred, then the number grew. To catch a glimpse of his talents as a designer with his clothing line Alantude, see below a clip of González’s appearance on Houston Life earlier this year. To purchase González’s face mask, click here.

Ria Goel, a 12-year-old girl from Friendswood, Texas decided to take her passion for art and turn it into a way to give back to the community. Ria Goel, a 12-year-old girl from Friendswood, Texas decided to take her passion for art and turn it into a way to give back to the community. Ria Goel, a 12-year-old girl from Friendswood, Texas decided to take her passion for art and turn it into a way to give back to the community. Ria Goel, a 12-year-old girl from Friendswood, Texas decided to take her passion for art and turn it into a way to give back to the community. 12-year-old art teacher Ria Goel shares step-by-step guide on how to paint a Christmas tree with acrylic paint.

The pandemic has hit many families very hard, but luckily the giving spirit is alive and well. Local fashion designer Chloe Dao shares insight into why she loves Houston and the creative way she’s giving back to the city.

The Houston Humane Society and Huts 4 Mutts will distribute free dog houses and pet food to Houston-area pet owners in need. “The Houston Humane hopes these new houses will prevent many outdoor pets from suffering, especially during those harsh cold and wet nights,” Houston Humane Society said in a release. “Together, we can provide owners with the tools they need to keep their pets happy and healthy, and their pets a new start.”Houston Humane Society will also offer qualifying pet owners’ animals veterinary services, vaccinations and spay/neuter vouchers. Those who wish to receive these goods and services must email PetPantry@HoustonHumane.org by Dec. 7 to qualify.

The Houston Home Instead Senior Care office is seeking donations for seniors through its “Be a Santa to a Senior” program. “The Be a Santa to a Senior program brings so much joy to seniors in our community,” said Gregory Gomez-Mira, owner of the Houston Home Instead office. The Houston Home Instead Senior Care office serves Alvin, Baytown, Channel View, Bacliff, Deer Park, Dickinson, Kemah, La Porte, Galena Park, Manvel, Houston, League City, Pasadena, Pearland, Rosharon, Seabrook, Webster and Friendswood. Those who’d like to purchase a gifts for a senior can visit Beasantatoasenior.com, enter their zip code and view wish lists for local seniors. For more information about the Be a Santa to a Senior program, visit BeaSantatoaSenior.com.

The organization is also asking for donations here, as the number of families seeking assistance from Texas food banks has doubled since March. Or they can visit the Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s website to learn more about health services like low-cost or free health coverage for children, health programs for low-income families and services for Texas women. Texas Housers provides low-income housing information services, and the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation has affordable housing programs to help people find homes. Check out these helpful guides on how to get help:Central Texas: How to get help (and help) in Austin during the coronavirus pandemic, via KUTEast Texas: Need financial assistance for the holidays?, via CBS19West Texas: West Texas Food Bank prepares for 2020 holiday demand, via Newswest 9West Texas: Resources for West Texas and S.E. Disclosure: Comcast, El Paso Times, Facebook, Feeding Texas, State Bar of Texas, Texas Association of Community Health Centers and Texas Monthly have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.

They said more and more families need assistance and fewer families are able to donate this time of year. As millions of Americans spent the last several days shopping for the holiday season, millions of families continue to struggle. It all adds up.”If you donate to these charities through their Facebook pages, Facebook will match $7 million in donations on Giving Tuesday. You can find the Salvation Army’s Facebook page here and the Northwest Assistance Ministries Facebook page here. You can find lists of other charities in the Houston area that are in need of help here and here.

HOUSTON – Celebrity Chef David Chang’s smarts have netted a huge donation for a Houston charity. Chang won the top prize on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” on Sunday and he designated Southern Smoke as his non-profit recipient. The Houston-based organization aims to aid people in the food and beverage industry that have been affected by disasters. Southern Smoke co-founder Chris Shepherd said Chang’s donation will help hundreds of people. If you’d like to donate to Southern Smoke, go to southernsmoke.org.

HOUSTON – Earlier this week, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announced the city’s annual Thanksgiving parade was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In lieu of this year’s Thanksgiving Day parade, the City of Houston is instead hosting the H-E-B Family Thanksgiving Distribution Saturday at NRG Park. “With the dramatic rise in unemployment since the onset of Covid-19, many in the Houston community are dealing with extremely difficult times,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said in a release. “In this environment, the tradition of Thanksgiving seems like an impossibility. In response to the need for tradition, Thanksgiving festivities have been re-envisioned to focus a time to give thanks.”The drive-through, first come, first serve food distribution, which began at 8 a.m. Saturday, will end at 2:00 p.m., or when product has been depleted.

It was the inspiration behind Families Helping Families Houston, an organization Collins founded seven years ago with a goal of ending hunger, especially during a week meant to give thanks. That’s what Collins does -- feeds 300 families the week of Thanksgiving. “That’s breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus Thanksgiving dinner on that day.”Families Helping Families will hold its annual Thanksgiving week food drive on Saturday at the Smart Financial Center in Sugar Land. Information for both can be found at Families Helping Families Houston’s website. “No one should go hungry during Thanksgiving and to be honest, no one should go hungry at all,” he added.

The partnership between the university and the Houston Food Bank is now in its eighth year, proving once again to be much-needed, especially because of the coronavirus pandemic. “They won’t have food put on the table.”It was a similar scene at Barnett Stadium where HISD also set up shop and held a food distribution of their own. “We’re holding up but this really helps a lot.”Upcoming food distribution eventsIf you’re in need, here are some food distributions happening in the area over the next few days. Get more info hereHISD food distribution: Houston ISD is expanding its food distribution to ensure all students have access to healthy food during the week-long Thanksgiving break. Get more info Houston ISD is expanding its food distribution to ensure all students have access to healthy food during the week-long Thanksgiving break.

Richard Reyes or Pancho Claus as he affectionately knows is asking for the communities help in spreading some much needed holiday cheer. “We don’t have no sponsors cause they aren’t doing that well, you can’t blame them at all,” Reyes said. We’ve already started getting more calls than we’ve ever had,”said Reyes. That challenge has forced Reyes to started a GoFundMe with a $20,000 goal to help purchase the gifts he will need. “We need to raise resources to be able to go out and purchase them ourselves,” said Reyes.

TEXAS CITY, Texas – The Galveston County Food Bank is providing a socially-distanced haunted house experience that also helps those in need of a warm meal in Galveston County. “It’s giving to the community," said Jennifer Burns, a parent of some of the children who attended the attraction in Texas City on Saturday night. “A lot of people that I know usually go trick-or-treating, they’re not having any trick-or-treaters come over to their house,” said Laveda Mack, another parent. Donnie VanAckeren the Galveston County Food Bank president and CEO said each ticket sold represents about 40 meals. “We do mobile distributions and things like that.”VanAckeren said it was unclear how money tickets were sold during the two-day event, but he estimates close to a thousand.

Take note: A number of Houston-area Thanksgiving Day festivities and events have been curtailed this year due to the coronavirus. Those events and organizations that are forging ahead with Thanksgiving Day events and programs are instituting pandemic policies, which include social distancing and face mask requirements. What they need: Volunteers are needed between 5:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. What they need: Volunteers are needed on Thanksgiving Day to help prepare, package and deliver food. If you know of any events organizations in need of volunteers on Thanksgiving Day, please share the information in the comments below or email us here.

HOUSTON – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and what better time to highlight the work that a local hairstylist has been doing to assist patients dealing with hair loss during treatment. Venita Graves (Beauty Beyond Breast Cancer)“17 years ago, I was doing my self-exam and I found a lump. We lift their esteem, motivate them and inspire them to feel that (there’s) beauty beyond breast cancer. The effect is an unforgettable experience for cancer patients and survivors. To donate or to connect with Beauty Beyond Breast Cancer, click here.

HOUSTON – The Nutcracker Market will be going all virtual this year. The market, which is the largest single fundraiser for the Houston Ballet, will be extended to a monthlong event for online shopping. More than 200 merchants have signed up to participate in the virtual event that will run from Nov. 11 to Dec. 11. The holiday tradition was set to open its 40th year at NRG Center on Nov. 11. A spring version of the Nutcracker Market was launched in 2019.

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.