HISD and charitable organizations throughout Houston are gearing up for distribution days, drives, and other special events to kick off the holiday season. See below for a list of scheduled events. More will be added to this list as dates are announced.
Holiday Toy Drive
What: Houston ISD Community Partnerships is collecting new, unwrapped toys to support families and students during the holiday season. There are two ways you can participate: 1.) Host your own toy drive 2.) Make a purchase from the HISD Amazon Wish List. For more information on how to get started, contact HISD Community Partnerships at Partner@houstonisd.org or call 713-556-7200.
When: Nov. 16 to Dec. 15
Healthy Fall Festival & Turkey Giveaway
What: Equality Health Foundation will give away produce and 1,000 turkeys on a first-come, first-served basis. The organization is also offering immunizations, health education sessions, diabetes testing, community resources and biometric screenings courtesy of CVS Pharmacy.
When: Nov. 18, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
More information here
Operation Turkey Houston
What: Operation Turkey volunteers prepare hundreds of free hot Thanksgiving meals for distribution to those in need.
When: Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23, from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: St. Paul’s United Methodist Church (5501 Main St., Houston, TX 77004) and American Legion Post 654 (3105 Campbell Rd., Houston, TX 77080)
More information here
ABC13’s Share Your Holidays Food Drive
What: An annual food drive in its 43rd year benefiting the Houston Food Bank. Between Monday, Nov. 27 and Wednesday, Nov. 29, those experiencing food insecurity can call the phone bank to reserve a special holiday food box.
When: The phone bank is open between Monday, Nov. 27 and Wednesday, Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Phone Bank Numbers
English: 713-547-8692
Spanish: 713-547-8693
More information here
45th Annual City Wide Club Super Feast
What: For the 45th year in a row, City Wide Club of America is offering free dine-in hot meals or drive-thru meal pickup meal along with other free amenities such as haircuts, clothes, and toys for kids.
When: Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 23, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Christmas Eve Day, Dec. 24, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: George R. Brown Convention Center (1001 Avenida De las Americas, Houston, TX 77010)
More information here
Holiday Hackathon
What: HISD, in partnership with Schlumberger, will host the third annual Holiday Hackathon. Invited STEM and Robotics clubs from around the district will compete in a series of challenges in a day of learning and service. This event is reserved for participating clubs. To learn more about the district’s STEM initiatives, and ways to get involved, click here
When: Dec. 8
Houston Fire Department’s Great Toy Giveaway
What: The HFD is holding its annual toy drive, Operation: Stocking Stuffer to provide toys to more than 20,000 Houston children. In collaboration with local business, HFD will give away toys via drive-thru format at a first-come, first-served basis.
When: Dec. 16, 9 a.m. until all toys are distributed
Where: 2400 Reed Rd., Houston, TX 77051
More information here
Winter Fest
What: HISD families are invited to the Sunrise Center at Mission Milby (2220 Broadway St., Houston, TX 77012) for community resources, kids’ activities, and turkey distribution, while supplies last, in a festive environment.
When: December 16, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
More Information Available by emailing SunriseCenters@houstonisd.org