Annual Leader Christmas program a success!
South Belt community comes together to donate toys, food for 30 local families in need
The Leader’s 43nd annual Christmas program was a huge success, providing assistance to dozens of area families in need.
Several local organizations, schools, businesses and residents stepped up to the plate, making this year’s drive one of the most successful in the event’s history.
Approximately 30 families took part in this year’s program. Most of the families were referred to the Leader by local schools.
Schools participating in this year’s drive included Atkinson Elementary, Frazier Elementary, Melillo Middle School, South Belt Elementary and Beverly Hills Intermediate.
Also participating in this year’s drive were M&D ACE Hardware (formerly central ACE Hardware), which donated $700; Harris County Precinct 2, Place 1 Justice of the Peace Jo Ann Delgado, who donated McDonald’s gift cards; the Pasadena ISD Police Department, which collected and donated toys; South Belt resident David Montgomery, who donated H-E-B gift cards; and former South Belt-Ellington Chamber of Commerce Director Sally Mitchell, who donated an undisclosed amount of cash.
A Friendsgiving group led by Sagemont Civic Club President Kay Barbour collected and donated approximately $500 in cash and gift cards.
A team of volunteers led by the mother-daughter duo of Sandy Robb and Stacey Waugh selflessly donated their time organizing and distributing the items. Robb and Waugh have volunteered with the program for more than 20 years. The pair also raised and donated roughly $350 toward the drive.
Several others donated to the program but wished to remain anonymous.
The Leader drive is different from many others in that it provides assistance to families in the immediate South Belt community.
3 Pasadena ISD teachers recognized
Good Reason Houston honors educators – 2 from South Belt
Three Pasadena ISD teachers – including two from the South Belt – were recently presented $500 checks by Good Reason Houston, recognizing their impact on students and their leadership across the district.
Presented as part of Good Reason Houston’s Houston Loves Teachers program, the awards highlight the nonprofit’s focus on celebrating teaching excellence and strengthening Houston-area schools.
Honored teachers
– Christina Reyes, Morris Middle School: Reyes is a bilingual science teacher who blends hands-on learning with smart, student-centered systems that ensure every learner grows. Her higher-level Google Form check-ins and color-coded rotations create an equitable, joyful classroom where students feel capable, confident and seen. She’s a model of innovation and care for both students and colleagues.
– Gina Ortiz, Pasadena Memorial High School: Ortiz is a cornerstone of PMHS, serving as a Master Teacher, mentor, department head, and dual-language leader with unwavering professionalism and heart.
Ortiz strengthens districtwide multilingual pathways and prepares students for a diverse, global workforce. Her resilience, compassion, and commitment to doing what’s right for kids make her an extraordinary educator and leader, according to Good Reason Houston officials.
– Stephanie Wright, Jackson Intermediate: Wright creates a classroom where students feel safe, supported, and inspired to excel. She adapts instruction with precision, reflects continuously to meet individual needs and maintains high expectations to which students rise. Her students proudly call her “the GOAT.” Her impact extends far beyond math, strengthening confidence, resilience and school pride.
Good Reason Houston
Good Reason Houston is a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring every child in the Houston area has access to a high-quality public education. It partners with school districts and community organizations to advance student success.
According to Good Reason Houston officials, these awards are intended to make teachers feel appreciated – support that helps retain quality educators and attract new ones. The checks provide direct resources for classrooms while elevating educator morale and recognition.
Community impact
Direct classroom support: The funds help teachers purchase materials, enrich instruction, and accelerate student learning.
Recognition: Publicly celebrating teachers strengthens school culture and signals that excellent teaching is valued.
Workforce pipeline: Appreciation and support contribute to teacher retention and recruitment, benefiting students and families across the district.
For additional information on Good Reason Houston and the Houston Loves Teachers program, visit goodreasonhouston.org.
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