Mya Strang knows she’s lucky. The Lake Highlands Elementary sixth grader helped collect emergency packs for homeless and at-risk youth with her classmates in December as part of a community service project for Promise House. Assembling the hygiene products, things like shampoo, deodorant and toothbrushes, into easily distributed and carried packs Friday reminded Mya that giving back is something she ought to – and wants to –do often.
“There are real kids in real need,” Maya told me. “It makes me feel good to help.”
Lulu Riemenscneider agreed.
“We have so much stuff and we can be ungrateful sometimes. With just the simplest things, these teens will be very grateful. Their lives haven’t been as easy as ours. They’ve had some struggling times. These packs will give them some relief.”
Daijah Lock wants to be a doctor, and her concern for homeless young people is evident.
“For Christmas, I think I’ll be getting art supplies – I love to draw. I want to support the kids that don’t have food to eat and products to use. I want to make sure they are alright.”
“I’m proud of the leadership role these sixth graders have taken,” said Sixth Grade Activities Mom Erika Herridge. “They’ve gone around the school talking to other grade levels about the program and what they were doing to collect donations. Putting kids in leadership roles has been great for them. I’m hoping that they will see what a difference they can make.”
Promise House provides emergency shelter, counseling and a vast array of services to homeless and runaway youth in North Texas. If you’d like to help, you can make a donation here or learn how to host your own collection drive here.