What began as a small, heartfelt effort to quietly support local families has grown into a full-scale community food drive, thanks to the compassion and dedication of La Porte Elementary School and its many partners. This summer marks the official launch of LPE’s food drive initiative, an expansion of the school’s ongoing support for families facing food insecurity over the past five years.  

While the school has quietly provided food, clothes, and shoes to students and families in need, this summer’s initiative represents its most ambitious outreach to date.  

"La Porte Elementary’s commitment to serving our community is truly inspiring," Superintendent Dr. Walter Jackson said. "This project not only teaches our students the value of benevolence and service but also demonstrates the incredible impact that people can have when they work together for a meaningful cause. I couldn’t be prouder of their efforts to support families in need."  

Spearheaded by the front office staff and led with the heart of volunteers, the first large-scale distribution event reached around 120 families—well beyond the expected 90 to 100. Food was handed out to anyone in need, regardless of school affiliation or family status, with seniors and individuals also welcomed with open arms.  

“Food is a necessity,” La Porte Elementary Counselor Diana Horelka said. “We’ve seen firsthand how difficult breaks and holidays can be for some of our families, and we knew summer would bring a greater need.”  

Volunteers from across the community, including students from La Porte Junior High School’s National Junior Honor Society, church groups, local businesses, and even private citizens showed up to sort, bag, and deliver food.   

With help from community partners like Fairmont Park Church, St. James Presbyterian Church, and the Hanks Family, as well as local businesses like Bayside Plumbing, South Region Driving School, and Macy’s Mission of Hope, the drive came together quickly but effectively. 

Brandy Peres and Dr. Victor Peres, longtime supporters of LPE’s Thanksgiving and Christmas outreach, played a key role in organizing the second drive. Brandy expanded the list of donation drop-off sites to include:  

• Babes by the Bay – 606 W Main St, La Porte  
• La Porte Chiropractic – 10932 Spencer Hwy, La Porte  
• Sassy Sisters – 7407 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena  
• Stewart Title Clear Lake – 16055 Space Center Blvd #170, Houston  
• The Park on Main – 402 W Main St, La Porte  
• The Social Hive – 712 W Fairmont Pkwy, La Porte  

These sites will accept donations through July 1; donations may be dropped off at La Porte Elementary School through July 7 between the hours of 9 a.m.-12 p.m., and 1-4 p.m.  

“Some families don’t feel comfortable asking for help,” Horelka said. “We just want to reach as many as we can, and this model—collecting and distributing quickly—works.”  

Deliveries were made for those without transportation, and the event’s impact has been so significant that families are already asking about the next one, which will be held July 9 from 3-5 p.m. at the school.

While LPE is not equipped to operate a full-time food pantry, this new food drive model offers a scalable solution that meets the community where it’s at.  

“In a time where the need continues to grow, La Porte Elementary and its community of helpers are proving what is possible when compassion meets action,” Dr. Jackson said. 

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