Courtesy of UISD and UISD High School Journalism Program Intern Issadora Saab
United Independent School District students delivered $4,100 in gift cards collected in a fundraiser to families devastated in the deadly flooding in Kerr County.
Nourish Laredo, a non-profit organization founded by Alexander High School students and family members Adan Tellez, Mateo Canamar, Tori Tellez, Lorena Tellez and Eduardo Canamar in 2020, now includes more than 90 volunteers. The cards were delivered to more than 20 families on Saturday, July 19.
“When we saw the heartbreaking images and stories coming from the flooded areas, our teen leaders immediately wanted to help. We’re all Texans,” said Adan, a founder of the organization. “It doesn’t matter if we live in Laredo, Kerrville, or Austin. We stand together.”
Media reports indicate that the death toll in Kerr County remains at 136 following the destructive flooding that unleashed on the early morning of July 4 on the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, about 60 miles northwest of San Antonio. Intense searches followed and as lives were saved, donations poured in from around the country. About 300 people in Kerrville still don’t have stable housing, according to Kerrville officials.
“Gift cards to stores like HEB, Walmart, and Target are critical because they can be used wherever a family is temporarily staying,” said Adan. Through these gift card donations, the community will be able to buy some essential items such as diapers, non-perishable food, or cleaning supplies.
“It gives them dignity during a time when they’ve lost so much. The people in Kerrville may not know our names, but we want them to know they’re not forgotten. We’re with them- teen to teen, family to family. Every dollar, every share, every idea makes a difference,” said Miranda Leal, a student volunteer with Nourish.
The group continues to raise awareness with their actions for other fundraising efforts. The teen volunteers helped organize, track and package all these cards, which are sent through trusted partners that work directly with the impacted families.
“It’s been amazing to see students, teachers, and families come together. We’ve had middle and high school students giving up their coffee money or part of their birthday gifts to buy gift cards,” Mateo said. “Their generosity has shown just how powerful young people can be when they work together.”
Tori, an incoming 8th grader at United Middle School, said this is more than just school service hours for her.
“It’s more than just a school service hour for me,” she said. “This is personal. These are Texas families, and we’re all connected.”
Angie Tellez, mother of Adan and Tori, said Nourish Laredo was established in February 2020 during the pandemic, and they began their journey volunteering with their grandfather. Their commitment has led to other nonprofits recognizing their potential and inviting them to collaborate with them.
From the early morning setups to the final delivery, they always show up ready to serve hosting hygiene drives, food packaging events, and food distribution. Many teen volunteers package bundles throughout the week.
Their volunteering efforts picked up after the flooding.
“We want them to know that we care deeply. Even though we’re far away, we’re thinking of them and doing everything we can to help,” said Roberto Chavez, a student volunteer with Nourish. “We hope this support brings them comfort and reminds them that they’re not alone- kids and families in Laredo are standing with them. Every small act matters. A $10 gift card can mean a dinner, clean clothes, or a sense of normalcy.”
L-R - Non-profit Nourish Laredo student volunteers Eduardo Canamar, Adan Tellez, Miranda Leal, Lorena Tellez, Mateo Canamar
Nourish Laredo student volunteers in Kerrville to deliver gift cards at a facility led by a church that gathered supplies for survivors
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