By Leslie Fuentes
Humble ISD recently joined forces with Humble Area Assistance Ministries (HAAM) for the 2024 Empty Stocking Seasons of Sharing Drive, filling buses with donated toys to help families in need this holiday season.
From December 6-12, middle and high school students in Humble ISD's Athletics and Fine Arts programs organized toy drives at their campuses.
On December 13, Athletics and Fine Arts students from Atascocita, Humble, Kingwood, Kingwood Park High and Summer Creek High Schools traveled by bus to their respective feeder middle schools to collect the toys donated by their peers and the community.
“It was great to be away from the school environment for a day and out in the community,” Atascocita High School Patriette Carmen Solis said. “We’ve learned so much about leadership and teamwork while getting to know what each person’s strengths are so that we can come together and work as a strong team.”
Once collected, students delivered all toys to Light of the World Christian Fellowship, where volunteers will prepare them for distribution to local families in need. The toys will be handed out during HAAM’s Seasons of Sharing event on December 18.
“The most important part of this initiative isn’t just collecting toys; it’s about helping our students realize that they don’t have to be a social worker to make a difference,” Humble ISD Community Liaison Jennifer Karlstrom said.
Karlstrom, who helps organize the event through her dual position with both Humble ISD and HAAM, emphasized that involving Athletics and Fine Arts students gives a wide range of students from the district the opportunity to participate and contribute to the community.
“This is an incredible event to be part of,” Bawn Roberson, captain of the Humble High School Girls Basketball team, said. “Being chosen to participate is an honor. It brings out the leadership in all of us.”
The “Fill the Bus” initiative is a collaborative effort between HAAM and Humble ISD to support the Seasons of Sharing Event. Each year, Humble ISD's Counseling & Behavioral Services Department identifies up to 300 families who need assistance during the holiday season. These families are then invited to participate in the event.
Karlstrom explained that this year’s Seasons of Sharing event will serve nearly 900 children. In addition to receiving toys, families who are registered for the event gain access to a wide range of services from HAAM, including food assistance, basic needs support, counseling, case management, employment services, and financial coaching.
“We are grateful and blessed to have such a wonderful community in Humble ISD that serves their neighbors,” Karlstrom said. “Thanks to their efforts, there will be many happy families who will experience less stress this holiday season, knowing they can provide gifts for their children.”
