GIVING

For those who’d like to participate in Giving Tuesday, we assembled a list of charitable Houston organizations worth considering. The station has featured several of these organizations through its KPRC 2 Community initiative.

Houstonians, known for lending a helping hand during difficult times, are stepping up to the plate once again to hand out free food for Thanksgiving.

Super Feast organizers are in dire need of toy and food donations.

With some of the top restaurants in Houston represented, the Texans held their 13th annual Taste of the Texans charity event.

Fort Bend County Toys for Tots is collecting holiday gifts for local children.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, McDonald’s restaurants in Houston will donate 10% of lunch sales to two organizations raising money for victims of the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.

Houston Restaurant Weeks has announced its dates for 2022.

Red Nose Day, the fundraising event by Comic Relief US to help end child poverty, returns for its eighth year on May 26.

KPRC 2 is proud to partner with Texas Children’s, which is supporting Ukraine by hosting a donation drive at specific Texas Children’s locations Monday, April 18 through Saturday, April 23. The much-needed supplies will be gathered, sorted and shipped to the people of Ukraine.

For the ninth year in a row, KPRC 2 has partnered with the Houston Habitat For Humanity to help build homes for deserving families in the area.

KPRC 2 is proud to partner with Texas Children’s, which is supporting Ukraine by hosting a donation drive at specific Texas Children’s locations Monday, April 18 through Saturday, April 23. The much-needed supplies will be gathered, sorted and shipped to the people of Ukraine.

Every year, Make-A-Wish chapters and affiliates celebrate World Wish Day on April 29, the anniversary of the wish that inspired the founding of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Earth Day is Friday, April 22. Here’s a schedule of Houston events and volunteer opportunities that honor our planet.

Recovery efforts are underway for the Texas residents in the path of the destructive tornadoes that ripped through multiple parts of the state on Monday, killing a woman in north Texas, injuring multiple others and causing widespread damage.

When Benita Leon discovered she was pregnant, she and her husband were overjoyed with excitement, hopes and plans for their baby’s future. Those hopes and plans came to sudden halt when a doctor delivered the news that their baby was diagnosed with down syndrome. Uncertain for what the future would now hold for her child, Leon felt overwhelmed and helpless. Luckily, help was on the way to guide her and her family through their journey.

Chris Tine and his wife Larysa set out to raise money for their family and friends in Ukraine.

From the young age of just 4 years old, Joiner has been on a mission to give the gift of reading through her project A Book and a Smile. Five years later, that mission is still going strong.

At KPRC 2, we’re proud to showcase those making a difference in the Houston area. Each month in 2022, we’re partnering with Energy Transfer to showcase a different nonprofit organization offering Houstonians a helping hand.

In February 2021, a brutal winter storm battered the state, overwhelming its power grids and forcing millions of Texans to scavenge for the basic elements for survival — food, water, and shelter from record cold.

‘Til everyone is free - that’s the motto at a coffee shop in the Heights called A 2nd Cup that's on a mission to end human trafficking and give survivors a second chance at a bright future with every cup they serve.

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.

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.

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.

There are already several ways you can help those who are dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Laura. Health-focused relief help with AmericaresOne organization is organizing help for impacted health care centers. Please join us as we help our neighbors in E Texas & Louisiana who are affected by Hurricane Laura. How can I help hurricane victims? Before making a donation, we recommend everyone research charities that are soliciting donations for Hurricane Laura relief efforts.

Wednesday, those who are searching for a job will get a chance to e-meet with employers from the area. Goodwill Houston will hold its monthly virtual job fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and it will includes employers from Houston Independent School District, Effex Management Solutions and Goodwill Houston. Goodwill Houston will also host its second Virtual Health Fair on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Barbie Parker, vice president of Fund Development & Community Relations with Goodwill Houston, explained their new procedures in place. For more information about Goodwill Houston, call 713-692-6221, or visit the website.

Several counties in Greater Houston recently landed on a ranking of the Lone Star State’s top 10 most generous counties for the year of 2019. Fort Bend County came in at second on the list while Montgomery landed at seventh place and Brazoria clocked in at eighth place. The ranking, released by SmartAsset, was determined by weighing several factors including how much people donated as a percentage of their net income and the proportion of people in a given county who made charitable donations. Here are the top 10 most charitable counties in the state, according to SmartAsset. Kendall Fort Bend Collin Tarrant Denton Gillespie Montgomery Brazoria Smith ParkerClick here for more information on the ranking.

HOUSTON If youve ever wanted to ask your favorite chef or food expert about recipes or cooking tips, youre in luck because now you can -- and its all for a good cause. Gaeleen Quinn, founder of Ask Chefs Anything, shared details on a celebrity auction that will help restaurant workers right here in Houston. However, if those big names in the restaurants business arent enough, local personalities like rapper Bun B and Houston Lifes host, Derrick Shore are also participating. Derrick Shore is participating at Ask Chefs Anything (Ask Chefs Anything)The auction is happening now, through Sunday, July 26. To bid for your favorite chef or local personality, click here.

HOUSTON The Prison Entrepreneurship Program is a second opportunity for reformed inmates and gives them a chance to transform their lives outside of prison with business skills and the support of mentors. Prison Entrepreneurship Program (Prison Entrepreneurship Program)We bring together business executives with inmates through entrepreneurial passion and servant leadership to transform lives, restore families and rebuild communities. Brian Kelley of Prison Entrepreneurship Program (Prison Entrepreneurship Program)The Prison Entrepreneurship Program gave me all the skills and the tool-belt necessary to do great out here, to survive and thrive. Prison Entrepreneurship Program (Prison Entrepreneurship Program)We take tax consumers and turned them into tax producers. To support or donate to the Prison Entrepreneurship Program, click here.

HOUSTON – May is Military Appreciation Month, a time to recognize the brave men and women who serve our country, but also organizations that support the armed forces and their families. One of those groups is the Blue Star Moms, who send over 1,200 care packages a year to troops serving in combat zones and overseas. Courtesy: (Blue Star Moms Houston Area Chapter)Gwen Geiser, from their Houston area chapter, shared details on how they’ve been helping during the COVID-19 crisis. Courtesy: (Blue Star Moms Houston Area Chapter)“We received thank you notes and pictures from those who received the packages. Blue star moms are also supporting each other as parents with children in the military with virtual meetings.

HOUSTON – After seeing the effects of COVID-19 in the healthcare and restaurant community, Houston Astros pitcher Joe Smith and his wife, sports reporter Allie Laforce, decided to do something. The couple is committed to keep kitchens open, workers employed, and our heroes fed through their partnership with Project FRONTLINE. But now through Project FRONTLINE, around 9,000 meals and deliveries are scheduled every day for the rest of this month to hospitals around the country. As of today, Project FRONTLINE has raised $119,850 of their $200,000 goal, and not only athletes are helping the cause, but everyone can help by donating any amount you can. To donate to Project FRONTLINE, click here.

KYLE, Texas – One Central Texas woman is giving back to the community by putting her Christmas Tree to good use during the off-season. Kyle resident Jacqueline Smith decorated her metallic pink Christmas tree with hand-sewn face masks for the community to use. She had signs written in English and Spanish to tell her neighbors the masks were free and donations were accepted. Smith says it became such a hit that she ran out of masks to give away, but other community members came to refill her tree with masks they made. With great spirits, not only did she receive monetary donations but also supply donations to encourage her to make more face masks.

“I was like, 'What am I supposed to do during this time...I hope that Lily’s Toy Box can still go on. Lily’s Toy Box has sent out 125 toys since April 1 to kids of people on the frontline fighting Covid-19. We don’t touch it,” said JessicaSince the COVID-19 pandemic, Lily’s Toy Box has shipped more than 125 toys. They are opening a box from Lily’s Toy Box❤️. www.lilystoybox.com Posted by Lily's Toy Box on Friday, April 10, 2020For more info on Lily’s Toy Box, click here.

HOUSTON – This quarantine, Broadway actor Ben Chavez has been entertaining music lovers by performing popular tunes from his living room in Houston. And he turned this fun activity into a virtual piano bar on Instagram Live to help during this time of need and give back to the community. The actor toured through Houston this past June with the Broadway musical, Disney's Aladdin and stopped travelling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Courtesy: (Ben Chavez)Instead of having a traditional tip jar, he offers a virtual tip jar where all the proceeds made during the piano bar go to a different charity every week. Last week, we raised money for an organization that means a lot to me, which is Broadway Cares.

Sukaina Rajani, owner of MACARON by Patisse, says the transition has been difficult. Moved by their gestures, Rajani decided to pay it forward by asking for donations to fund free macarons for healthcare workers, first responders and grocery store employees. Sukaina Rajani, owner of MACARON by Patisse, donates thousands of macarons to critical essential workers. So far, they have been able to donate about 5,000 macarons to Houston Methodist Hospital, Memorial Hermann and various first responders. Sukaina Rajani, owner of MACARON by Patisse, donates thousands of macarons to critical essential workers.

HOUSTON – Minute Maid Park will host a drop-off donation drive Wednesday as part of an effort to collect personal protective equipment for Houston’s municipal employees and first responders. The drive will accept a variety of personal protective gear, including N95 masks, surgical masks, face shields, gloves, surgical and isolation gowns, protective coveralls and shoe covers, and hand sanitizer containing 70 percent alcohol. “P.P.E.s help save lives and protect our first responders, municipal employees, and others on the front lines of the COVID-19 response,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said in a release. The Houston Fire Department alone uses about 10,000 personal protective items a day, Turner said. “We’re going through this personal protective equipment at a very fast rate and we know this is not a sprint, this is a marathon,” Turner said.

As cases increase in and around Houston, countless healthcare workers and first responders are working tirelessly on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19. Donate personal protective equipmentAs coronavirus cases increase in and around Houston, healthcare workers and first responders could face a shortage of masks and other personal protective equipment. Follow the advice of healthcare experts, officialsListen to and follow the advice of healthcare workers and officials and do your part to flatten the curve. Show your gratitudeAcknowledge the risk first responders and healthcare workers are taking and offer your gratitude. Do you know an individual, nonprofit, charity group or organization supporting Houston-area healthcare workers and first responders during the coronavirus outbreak?

"I just love them and I want them to know that," he told CNN affiliate WDIV. Imran Al Samet works at the station and told CNN that Marshall had bought gas for between 50 and 80 people on Wednesday and Thursday morning. Marshall told The Detroit Free Press that he'd been saving the money to buy a knife-sharpening tool. "Oh my goodness, that is so nice of him," one nurse, who wasn't identified, told WDIV. A woman identified only as Alana told WDIV that she heard about Marshall's good deed and decided to come help.

HOUSTON – Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, Mayor Sylvester Turner and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Sunday announced a plan to help seniors and low income children during the coronavirus pandemic. Mattress Mack is asking Houstonians to donate non-perishable items, cleaning supplies and toiletries that will be dropped off to Houston-area seniors. Gallery furniture will also do their part to help low income children and their families while their out of school. “We're going to cook BBQ here every day so the school children who need food can come by and grab a brown paper sack full of BBQ or chicken," said Mattress Mack. Mattress Mack has started a gofundme page to help pay for the food.

The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. The views expressed in this article are those of the advertiser and do not necessarily reflect those of this site or affiliated companies. HOUSTON – If you’re about to donate clothes, furniture or appliances to a great cause, make sure you know which items are actually accepted and which are not. Barbie Parker, Vice President of Fund Development & Community Relations at Goodwill Houston, helps you navigate Goodwill’s do’s and don’ts of donating with a fun trivia game.

These Houston organizations will pick up your donations so you can clear out your clutter and do good without leaving the comfort of your home.