Houston Children’s Charity https://houstonchildrenscharity.org/ Our kids are everybody’s kids Thu, 19 May 2022 16:45:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://houstonchildrenscharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/cropped-favicon-32x32.png Houston Children’s Charity https://houstonchildrenscharity.org/ 32 32 Program Services Coordinator https://houstonchildrenscharity.org/careers/program-services-coordinator/ Thu, 19 May 2022 16:44:28 +0000 https://houstonchildrenscharity.org/?p=16341 We’re hiring a Program Services Coordinator! Want to join our remission of positively impacting the lives of underserved children in Houston?

Apply today! Email your cover letter and resume to Nicole.B@houstonchildrenscharity.org.

]]> Houston Children’s Charity President and CEO Honored With Room Dedication at Texas Children’s Hospital https://houstonchildrenscharity.org/news/uncategorized/houston-childrens-charity-president-and-ceo-honored-with-room-dedication-at-texas-childrens-hospital-2/ Thu, 21 Apr 2022 20:07:40 +0000 https://houstonchildrenscharity.org/?p=16306

HOUSTON CHILDREN’S CHARITY PRESIDENT AND CEO HONORED WITH ROOM DEDICATION AT TEXAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

 

HOUSTON – The Board of Directors of Houston Children’s Charity (HCC) is pleased to announce the unveiling of the Laura S. Ward, Houston Children’s Charity, Child Life Room at Texas Children’s Hospital Hematology Center Outpatient Clinic. The intimate ceremony was a culmination of recognition for HCC President and CEO, Laura Ward, which began in November 2021. The announcement of the room dedication was presented at HCC’s 25th Anniversary Luncheon as an honor and surprise to Ward. This room is a permanent and poignant acknowledgment of her service to our community and honors her legacy of philanthropy and lifelong dedication to Houston’s underprivileged, abused, and disabled children.

For 25 years, HCC has touched the lives of 3.5 million children with their own bed, clothing, school supplies, transportation, health services, and joyful holidays. They believe “Our Kids are Everyone’s Kids” and have been fearlessly led by Laura Ward since its inception.

“I am so humbled and so very honored for this recognition. I cannot begin to express what it means to me and what it will mean to my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren throughout the years,” said Laura Ward. “I owe heartfelt thanks to our Board of Directors, and to Mark Wallace, President and CEO of Texas Children’s Hospital.”

Since 2006, Houston Children’s Charity has donated funds to Texas Children’s Cancer Center to support families going through cancer treatment. Named the Houston Children’s Charity Family Emergency Fund at Texas Children’s Cancer Center, funds are disbursed through the hospital to families to pay for items such as lodging, mortgage, car payments, meals, and more.

Mark Wallace, President and Chief Executive Officer of Texas Children’s Hospital, said “When I knew we had this opportunity to honor [Laura], I thought, “Laura Ward. She has done so much in our community, for so many underserved, underprivileged children. [She’s] been doing this for 31 years. It’s amazing the impact [she’s] had. [Laura] become ubiquitous in our community.”

View photos 

About Houston Children’s Charity

Houston Children's Charity is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for Greater Houston’s underprivileged, abused, and disabled children who have been otherwise left behind. Founded in 1996, Houston Children’s Charity provides programs including Chariots for Children, A Better Night’s Sleep, Back2School, HCC Closet, Adopt-A-Family, Houston Children’s Charity Family Emergency Fund at Texas Children’s Cancer Center, and KidSMART. With the support of dedicated sponsors and committed volunteers, Houston Children’s Charity has served over 3.5 million children and will leave no legitimate request for assistance unanswered.

For more information, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

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]]> How to Give Back this Holiday Season https://houstonchildrenscharity.org/news/give-back-this-holiday-season/ Tue, 16 Nov 2021 18:56:14 +0000 https://houstonchildrenscharity.org/?p=15863

The holiday season can be a magical time but it can also be a very difficult time of year for families in need. As you plan your own holiday celebrations this year, consider ways your family can spread Christmas joy. You can donate your time or money to ensure underprivileged children have a Merry Christmas this year!

Starting December 18th through the 23rd, partnered with Toys for Tots and Houston First, we will transform a hall inside the George R. Brown Convention Center into Houston Children’s Charity’s Toy Store. Approved families will be invited to shop free of charge for their children. This program alone serves approximately 20,000 children delivering 80,000 toys. This can’t be done without the giving spirit of volunteers and donors... so how can you help?

 

1. Volunteer!

Volunteering is a selfless act that will help transform the lives of many people over the holiday season. You can sign up for our Christmas Toy Distribution to help sort and stock toys, help families shop, and assist at check out. Volunteers must register on our website and be 15 years of age or older. For more information or to sign up, click here.

 

 

2. Donate, donate, donate!

  • Toys for Tots provide the majority of the toys for the children but we need help securing enough teen gifts! While Toys for Tots provides toys for children up to the age of 13, we need to provide gifts for the teens as we serve up to age 18. For a list of suggested items, click here.
  • Donate Christmas wrapping paper! Our goal is to give each family we serve a roll of wrapping paper (approximately 5,000).
  • If you can’t decide what to give, we always accept monetary donations. This allows us to purchase what is necessary to make our toy distribution a success.

 

 

Because of your generosity, gifts, and time, thousands of struggling families can receive gifts for their children who otherwise could not afford them. If you have any questions, please call our office at (713) 524-2878 or email hcc@houstonchildrenscharity.net. We kindly ask that all new, unwrapped gifts and wrapping paper be donated at the George R. Brown Convention Center December 18th - 20th.

Happy Holidays!
- The HCC Board of Directors and Staff

]]> Prepped and Ready for Back2School https://houstonchildrenscharity.org/news/prepped-and-ready-for-back2school/ Wed, 11 Aug 2021 17:39:46 +0000 https://houstonchildrenscharity.org/?p=15270
WEBSITE BANNER (1)

After two interrupted and unusual school years, area students were ready to return to the classroom. And for 12 years, Houston Children’s Charity has worked with long-time partners Rod Ryan of The Rod Ryan Morning Show and 94.5 The Buzz to ensure they were prepared for the classroom!

 

On Saturday, August 7, 2021, HCC distributed more than 4,000 backpacks filled with age-appropriate school supplies to students from PreK to High School from all across the Greater Houston area. The Rod Ryan Morning show, with generous support from community sponsors and listeners, raised a record-breaking $113,345 for this year’s effort!

 

On behalf of the students we serve, we thank Rod Ryan, his team, and the gracious donors to this program. But now the hard work begins for those students who are back in school – taking it from prepared to prevailing!

Thank you to our Community Sponsors:

  • Whataburger
  • Maddy’s Annual Children's Book Drive
  • Charles E. Dyer, IV, D.D.S., M.S.
  • ACME Party & Tent
  • Antone's

Rod’s Angel Investors:

  • Academy Sports + Outdoors
  • Jim Adler & Associates
  • Joe Myers Toyota
  • Primeway Federal Credit Union
  • Squeezed
  • The Tricia Turner Properties Group brokered by exp Realty
  • Whataburger
]]> HCC Welcomes Morris Smith, MBA to the Board of Directors! https://houstonchildrenscharity.org/news/hcc-welcomes-morris-smith-mba-to-the-board-of-directors/ Wed, 04 Aug 2021 19:54:16 +0000 https://houstonchildrenscharity.org/?p=15107

Please join us in welcoming our newest Board Member!

Red White Gold Traditional College Graduation Outdoor Canvas

Houston Children’s Charity proudly welcomes its newest member to our Board of Directors, Morris Smith, MBA.

Morris Smith has held numerous positions with increasing responsibility during his tenure in the Coca-Cola system. Morris is currently the Director of Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability for Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages.  He is responsible for managing the core public affairs and communications accountabilities for Houston, San Antonio, and Austin, Texas.  Morris is responsible for government relations, issues management, stakeholder relations, local media relations, local community giving strategy, and leadership communications.

Morris is a graduate of Valparaiso University and holds an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management.  Among his recognition are the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boys and Girls Club Legacy Award, The YMCA Black and Hispanic Achievers Award, and Dollars and Cents Magazine’s Best and Brightest Business and Professional Men and Women Award. Morris served as the Chairman of the Board for 100 Black Men of Chicago, Board Member PUSH-EXCEL, Board  Member, William A Lawson Institute for Peace and Prosperity, and is Nominations and Governance Chair for Houston Area Urban League.

His addition to the board will bring unique talents, expertise, and enthusiasm that will further our mission of improving the quality of life for Greater Houston’s underprivileged, abused, and disabled children. We look forward to working with Morris in serving our special children!

]]> HCC Welcomes David B. Atkins to the Board of Directors! https://houstonchildrenscharity.org/news/hcc-welcomes-david-b-atkins-to-the-board-of-directors/ Mon, 05 Jul 2021 19:52:15 +0000 https://houstonchildrenscharity.org/?p=15102

Please join us in welcoming our newest Board Member!

David b. Atkins

Houston Children’s Charity proudly welcomes its newest member to our Board of Directors, David B. Atkins.

David is an influential residential real estate professional who was taught at an early age by his father to give back to his community. He is setting a shining example for his children through his commitment to and support of our Kids. David brings years of leadership and expertise that will greatly help improve the quality of life for Greater Houston’s underprivileged, abused, and disabled children.

We look forward to serving our special children alongside David!

]]> Chariots for Children Van Distribution May 5, 2021 https://houstonchildrenscharity.org/events/chariots-for-children-van-distribution-may-5-2021/ Wed, 05 May 2021 19:52:47 +0000 https://houstonchildrenscharity.org/?p=15033

 

Rolling Forward with Chariots for Children

Houston Children's Charity awarded NINE wheelchair-accessible vehicles to families in need!

On May 5, 2021, HCC awarded nine handicapped-accessible vans to deserving children and their families. Generous donors made these gifts possible:  five by The Fant Foundation, three by The Guill Family, and one by You First Foundation. With sponsor representatives, emcee Patrick Fertitta and HCC President & CEO Laura Ward presented van keys to nine amazed families. Board members Jana Fant, Bog Ogle, Gary Becker, and Grant Guthrie were there to celebrate the life-altering gifts.

 

Tilman Fertitta, HCC Chairman of the Board and Landry’s, Inc. owner, generously hosted the van distribution at Willie G’s Seafood. HCC’s dedicated volunteers ensured families and children found their new van and our partners from Adaptive Driving Access taught caregivers how to safely operate the equipment for their upcoming family adventures.

 

It was a remarkable day for everyone in attendance, especially our recipient children who can explore a little more of the world around them – thanks to our incredible sponsors!

 

Special Thanks to Sponsors:

The Fant Foundation / Jana & Richard Fant

The Guill Family

You First Foundation

 

Matthew and his family just received a new Chariot sponsored by The Fant Foundation and is has already changed the way they live life! Here is what Matthew’s mom, Millanigaye, has to say:

“Thank you for the wonderful precious gift of this van. I have an 11 year old son that has cerebral palsy and is very difficult to move around. Previously without this van, there were many occasions we could not attend because of lack of mobility. This includes social functions, school functions and going to church. Now that I have this van I am able to bring Matthew wherever he needs and wants to go. My deepest thanks goes out to you from me and my family.”

- Millanigaye, Matthew's Mother

 

Since 1996, HCC has awarded 91 passenger vans, 150 wheelchair-accessible vehicles, 3 box trucks, 1 car, and 2 vehicle modifications totaling 247 life-altering chariots to agencies and individual families.

View event photos here

 

Please consider becoming a life-altering sponsor to a family in need.
]]> Back2School is open! https://houstonchildrenscharity.org/events/2021-back2school-program-is-open/ Sat, 01 May 2021 20:47:50 +0000 https://houstonchildrenscharity.org/?p=15038

The Back2School program is open!

“Back2School” provides students with backpacks full of age-appropriate school supplies. Since 2005, beginning with just one school district but now encompassing a number of districts and charter schools across 5 counties, HCC has helped more than 40,000 children start school on the right path.

3 ways to submit your application:
  • ONLINE: Complete, attach required documents, and submit the application online
  • FAX: Print out the application, complete it, attach required documents, and fax it to 713-524-3199
  • MAIL: Print out the application, complete it, attach required documents, and mail it to 5161 San Felipe, Ste. 320-216 • Houston, TX 77056
NO applications will be accepted via email or hand-delivered. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

 

 

Special thank you to The Rod Ryan Show on 94.5 The Buzz for their 12th year as a Back2School Sponsor!

]]> HCC’s Chariots for Children Van Distribution September 9, 2020 https://houstonchildrenscharity.org/events/hccs-chariots-for-children-van-distribution-september-9-2020/ Fri, 18 Sep 2020 16:36:42 +0000 https://houstonchildrenscharity.org/?p=14212

NINE MORE GIFTS OF MOBILITY AWARDED TO FAMILIES IN NEED

Tilman Fertitta hosted our Fall Chariots for Children Distribution on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 (at Willie G’s Seafood).

Houston Children’s Charity awarded NINE wheelchair-accessible vehicles to families in need.

Special Thanks to Sponsors

The Fant Foundation / Jana & Richard Fant

Moody Endowment

Suzanne Klein / Edna Meyer-Nelson

Texas Mattress Makers / Youval Meicler

“I want to take the time to personally thank you and everyone at Houston Children’s Charity.

This van is the best gift we’ve ever received and is life changing. We are so very grateful for you guys and all of the hard work you all do for kids like my girls. I know that there’s a special place in heaven for you.

Y’all hold a special place in our hearts

Prayer plus action yields results.”
– Latricia Hardy
mom of Tia & Mia Hardy

Since 1996, HCC has awarded

91 passenger vans, 141 wheelchair-accessible vehicles, 3 box trucks,

1 car and 2 vehicle modifications totaling 238 life-altering chariots to agencies and individual families.

Check out our event photos

OUR KIDS ARE EVERYBODY’S KIDS!!
With the help of GENEROUS SPONSORS and their STEADFAST SUPPORT of our mission,
we were able to award families with a WHEELCHAIR-ACCESSIBLE VEHICLE!!
Please consider becoming a life-altering sponsor to a family in need.
]]> 2020 Back2School program is open! https://houstonchildrenscharity.org/events/2020-back2school-program-is-open/ Thu, 07 May 2020 20:56:06 +0000 https://houstonchildrenscharity.org/?p=13712 The Back2School program is open!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Special Thank You to The Rod Ryan Show on 94.5 The Buzz for their 11th year as a Back2School Sponsor!

Everyone applying for the Back2School program will need to visit www.HoustonChildrensCharity.org for the application.

Ways to apply for the Back2School program:

  • ONLINE
    • This year you may fill out the application on our website!
    • You will need to upload the necessary documents prior to submitting.
  • PRINT APPLICATION
    • Fill out the printed application and attach necessary documents prior to submitting.
  1. You can submit complete applications via ONLINE, FAX or MAIL.
  2. NO applications will be accepted via email.
  3. ALL applications will be processed in the order in which they are received!
  4. PLEASE ALLOW 2 WEEKS (from date of submission) FOR YOUR APPLICATION TO BE PROCESSED.
  5. All approved applicants will be notified via mail of distribution date & time.
  6. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE PROCESSED.

Do you want to be a Sponsor?

$20 provides a child with a backpack full of school supplies!

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