Blessing Baskets Promote Community Outreach

The club FCCLA (Family and Community Leaders of America) hosted a contest for its members to present an idea that has a positive influence on children and the community. One member, a junior, Kristina Garza, recently took initiative, hoping to involve the whole community in her project idea.

“I have created a project that will bring children together to learn about giving to others that are less fortunate and need some extra love,” Garza said.

Blessing Baskets became a reality on Sunday, February 5th. Garza came up with the name Blessing Baskets to reflect their meaning and what they consisted of. San Jacinto Church and DPHS-South collected donations such as new or gently used blankets, stuffed animals, books, coloring books, coloring utensils, and small hygiene items (new tooth brushes, toothpaste, hair care products, etc.). Following, Kristina and a few from her 1:12 Youth Ministry recruited some kids in putting all the donations together. The volunteers appreciated the way the kids were able to make the activity more about others who are less fortunate, and less about themselves.

“I loved that the kids were willing and enthusiastic to be involved in putting these baskets together because they put so much thought into making them look nice, and wanted to make them special,” Garza said.

After the kids finished putting the baskets together, it was time to deliver them. The group went to several different locations in the Baytown area to deliver baskets to families in need. Allen Guy, a friend of Kristina’s was able to set up certain locations due to his connections. He runs a youth ministry in the area that promotes opportunities such as these. Some families being delivered to did not speak English, but the message of love and care was still translatable.

“Anywhere else I would not have been able to have been touched by these children’s reactions and gratitude towards the gift, neither would I have been able to have possibly touched someone’s life the way I did face to face,” Garza said.

Presenting in contest for this project, Kristina competed on February 16, 2017. Placing 5th in her category, the young humanitarian is projected to take part in state competition in Dallas on April 4th. In the future, Kristina hopes to create more projects such as Blessing Baskets, but not just for a competition. “Throughout this project, not only did I learn things about myself, but I also had the chance to practice putting my faith and trust in God, and watching him pave the path for me,” Garza said. Serving is a hobby Kristina enjoys and aims to make an impact on the community around her, wherever she goes.