Author Archives: Jen McDonald

INTERFAITH NOW ACCEPTING SCHOOL SUPPLY DONATIONS FOR KITS 4 KIDZ

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – (June, 2018) Interfaith of The Woodlands recently kicked off its annual Kits 4 Kitz, a community-wide school supplies drive, with an event hosted by Interfaith Young Professionals (IYP). IYP members have widespread corporate and business involvement in the community and are setting up drives to support the more than 2,500 CISD students Interfaith expects to reach this back-to-school season. Students in need receive a school supplies kit, a new backpack, and a voucher for back-to-school outfit from the Hand Me Up Shop.

Each summer, Interfaith meets with hundreds of local families in crisis to place their grade- and school-specific order for the next school year, just like what these students’ peers receive from local PTOs. This ensures all children in need have the same tools to be as successful as their neighbors.

Each year, Interfaith also asks individuals and businesses in The Woodlands community to either host a school supplies drive or make a $65 donation—the typical cost of complete school supplies for kit—to sponsor local CISD students in need that reside in South Montgomery County as they head back to school. In addition to giving out packs, Interfaith also provides supplemental supplies to many other families who come in because they missed the opportunity to order. School supplies being collected include new markers, crayons, scissors, glue, pencils, pens, map pencils, copy paper, notebook paper, binders, pocket folders, pencil boxes/bags and logo-free backpacks.

In 2017, nearly 3,000 children received school supply assistance through Interfaith’s Kits 4 Kidz program.

“Every child deserves to start school prepared with the essential tools that will help them succeed. Having the same supplies as their peers makes an enormous difference in a child’s educational experience,” said Missy Herndon, President & CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands. “Every year, thanks to the generosity of our community, Interfaith is able to serve every family that walks through our doors expressing a need. We are grateful to our community partners who collect supplies and backpacks to help us meet this growing need,” she said.

School supplies and monetary donations will be accepted until July 26.

Interfaith of The Woodlands is a nonprofit social service agency providing numerous programs and services to meet the needs of The Woodlands and the surrounding area. IYP’s membership is a service group of Interfaith, boasting more than 100 professionals who believe in its mission of educating, cultivating, and motivating future community leaders and sharing the importance of building community through service.

IYP members preparing to collect school supplies at the 2018 Kits 4 Kidz kick-off

A child receives much-needed school supplies during the 2017 Kits 4 Kidz school supply drive

To receive school supplies from Interfaith, join IYP, learn more about our programs and services or to become a volunteer, please visit woodlandsinterfaith.org or call 281-357-1230.

NOMINATIONS FOR HOMETOWN HEROES NOW OPEN

THE WOODLANDS, Texas — (May, 2018) Interfaith of The Woodlands, hometown nonprofit, is embarking on its 45th year of service. Since its founding in 1973, Interfaith has made serving the community of The Woodlands a priority due to its belief that charitable work is best done at the community level. As a result, every year, the nonprofit organization has collected nominations for what it calls Hometown Heroes. These Hometown Heroes are individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations that exemplify the attributes that The Woodlands strives for, such as volunteerism, leadership, courage, nobility and dedication to worthy causes.

Beginning in 1999 to coincide with The Woodlands 25th anniversary celebration that year, the annual nomination of these Hometown Heroes began. Each year, individuals, businesses, corporations and nonprofit organizations are honored at the annual celebration. Recipients have included names and organizations such as George Lindahl, Linda Nelson, Robert and Kim Marling, Bret Strong, Huntsman Corporation, Waste Connections and Cassidy Joined for Hope. The 2018 nominees will be honored during The Woodlands Celebration of Excellence Gala on October 6, 2018, which will celebrate Interfaith of The Woodlands’ 45th anniversary of service. The fundraising event is put on by Interfaith every year in order to raise funds for its many programs and services.

President and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands, Missy Herndon, said the community tradition helps provide critical funds for Interfaith and is one of the nonprofit organization’s biggest fundraisers of the year. Funds go toward providing for the basic needs of local families—such as food, clothing, rent or mortgage assistance and transitional shelters—as well as tools, resources and community activities to senior citizens.

“As we embark on our 45th year of community service, we have so much to be thankful for,” Herndon said. “This gala is not only a celebration of our local heroes, but all supporters of Interfaith who make a difference for our neighbors in need. Following a tremendous year of serving so many affected by Harvey, we are inspired by those in our community who were instrumental in giving their time, leadership, and courage. It is what makes The Woodlands special!”

Nominations for Interfaith’s Hometown Heroes awards must be turned in to Interfaith of The Woodlands by 5 P.M. on Monday, June 25, 2018. According to the guidelines, Hometown Heroes nominees must be current residents or organizations based in The Woodlands. The final selections will be awarded on Saturday, October 6, 2018.

To nominate an individual or organization that exemplifies the qualities of a Hometown Hero, fill out an online nomination form at hometownheroesgala.org. Entries can also be emailed to nominations@woodlandsinterfaith.org or mailed to 4242 Interfaith Way, The Woodlands, TX 77381, addressed to:

Attn: Hometown Hero Selection Committee, Interfaith of The Woodlands.