From January 7 to January 31, 2025, the Gifted & Talented (GT) students at Porter Elementary are conducting a stuffed animal drive to benefit the New Caney ISD Helping Hands Closet. Led by second grade teacher and GT Campus Coordinator, Kyle Smithson, the students have been collecting new and gently used stuffed animals to give back to other children in need. 

“We're collecting them for kids who don't have any stuffed animals,” one PES GT student said. “We chose stuffed animals because there are kids who are having a hard time in life and need something soft they can hold onto and snuggle with.”

As part of the GT program, students meet once a week to participate in learning opportunities and independent projects with the support of the GT campus coordinator. For this particular project, students wanted to serve the community and were inspired by difficult times faced by the Houston area during Hurricane Beryl. 

“The students chose stuffed animals because of what they experienced during Beryl, and they thought about how other kids would want a stuffed animal during a traumatizing time like that,” Smithson said. 

Currently, the students have received approximately 300 stuffed animals, and are diligently working towards their goal of 1,000 by the end of the drive. 

When asked about his hopes for the toy drive, Mr. Smithson said, “I hope our Houston community can benefit from the stuffed animals being donated, and I hope this shows our GT students the positive impact they can have on their community.” 

To donate to the PES GT Stuffed Animal Drive, please drop off new or gently used stuffed animals to Porter Elementary between now and Friday, January 31. To donate to the Helping Hands Closet directly, make an appointment.