Take time during the holiday season to help those who need it the most

The holiday season fills us all with warm feelings of family togetherness, giving and receiving gifts, reflecting on the past year, and the promise of what’s to come in the new year. Most of all, the holidays are a time to connect with our community and help those in need.

Although this has been a year filled with challenges, we have also witnessed an incredible spirit of pulling together through difficult times. Our teachers and campus staff have demonstrated incredible patience and understanding through transitions to virtual learning – never losing focus on our students. Our nurses have been on the front lines to keep us healthy and safe. And the greater community and our HISD partners have lifted us up, offering numerous avenues of support.

Hunger across the Houston area is always a very real concern around the holidays, but the pandemic and its effects on our economy have elevated the need this year. I am particularly proud that we have mobilized to help put food on the tables of our HISD families, thanks to our Nutrition Services department and partners like the Houston Food Bank.

Since March, we have handed out over 32 million pounds of food! And the holidays are another opportunity to ensure that support continues to be extended to those households. Last week alone, we distributed nearly 54,000 meals through our neighborhood supersite distribution center at Barnett Stadium. And just this weekend, I had the opportunity to help hand out thousands of holiday turkeys to our families, thanks to a partnership with No Kid Hungry.

This is proof that when we work together, we can ensure our community is cared for, and those most in need can share in the spirit of the holidays. So please take the time to put others on your holiday lists this year. Donate food to your local food bank or community pantry. Offer to run an errand for an elderly neighbor who may not be able to leave home. Look into opportunities to volunteer virtually.

Have a healthy, joyous holiday season and a wonderful new year.

For more information about food distributions, go to HoustonISD.org/StudentMeals.