Programs | TDOC

Changing Houston One Child at a Time

The Houston Chapter proudly adopts local children and families each year, dedicating ourselves to uplifting them through impactful programs and initiatives. We provide essential items throughout the year, such as school clothing, supplies, Christmas gifts, Easter baskets, and holiday meals. Our unique R.E.A.D. (Read to Empower, Achieve, and Discover) program, which aims to inspire young minds by distributing high-quality books and offering enriching programming to students in at-risk schools, is a cornerstone of our efforts. We serve our elders by delivering Senior care packages to nursing home residents who are often unseen. Additionally, we join forces with other local outreach charities, amplifying our collective efforts to make a difference in our community.

Our Impact in 2024

34
families with hardships
benefited from our programs

12,000
books donated to local
at-risk schools

$5,000
in scholarships awarded
to local colleges

183
seniors in local nursing
homes served

6,000+
children empowered to excel
and achieve their dreams

$28,458
in Gift Cards Assisted Families with
Food and Household Essentials

“As long as there are families in need, we will respond by sharing our time and our talents. We never underestimate the impact we have on the lives of our adopted families. We are the light during their darkest hours. We give them dignity when there is self-doubt. We lift their spirits when they are low. We share hope when they are hopeless. We are philanthropists for children.”

Andrea Hollingsworth,
Houston Chapter President | 2023–2025

The Gift of Giving

Your donations make a huge difference! Together, we can make a meaningful impact in the lives of our youth and the local community.

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Our Programs

The dedicated members of Twelve Days work together to plan and execute various programs and initiatives that embody our mission to promote literacy and education while preserving the joy of the holidays for less fortunate families.

EASTER EXTRAVAGANZA

The Easter program, a key part of our initiatives, provides our adopted families with “Egg-ducational” baskets complete with books, fun activities, sweet treats, and H-E-B gift cards for holiday groceries. This program has a direct and positive impact on the lives of the families we serve, ensuring they have a joyous and educational holiday experience.

R.E.A.D.
(Read to Empower, Achieve, and Discover)

Many students at 'at-risk' schools encounter significant challenges with reading proficiency. In response, Twelve Days launched the R.E.A.D. program to ignite a passion for reading from an early age. This initiative is dedicated to building a solid foundation for success in all areas of learning. In 2024, we proudly donated over 12,000 books to more than 6,000 children in at-risk schools, inspiring hope and paving the way for a brighter future for these young minds.

Want to learn more about this impactful program and how you can get involved?

Dive Deeper

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

Christmas in July is one of the most joyous and inspiring experiences for families. This 'Back To School' event empowers our school-aged children by equipping them with everything they need for the upcoming school year, including backpacks, clothing, underwear, socks, shoes, and school supplies. Children also engage in enriching learning experiences at the Children’s Museum and The Health Museum, filling their summer with joy and excitement. Each family enjoys a nourishing lunch and is gifted age-appropriate books and grocery gift cards, infusing their day with warmth and happiness.

THANKSGIVING

The rising cost of groceries presents a serious challenge for many, and the ladies of Twelve Days Houston recognize how vital a warm Thanksgiving dinner is for families. With dedication and commitment during the holiday season, we serve each family with an H-E-B gift card, enabling them to secure the food and household essentials they need to create a joyful and memorable holiday celebration with their loved ones.

CHRISTMAS

During the magical Christmas season, the dedicated members of Twelve Days embark on a heartwarming mission to spread holiday cheer! With passion, we take families on unforgettable shopping adventures to gather joyful gifts for children, from delightful toys to cozy clothing, stylish shoes, and essential household items. This incredible program not only brightens the holidays with dignity and joy but also eases the financial strain that can come with the season. And that’s not all! Each family receives a grocery gift card to create a wonderful holiday feast, ensuring their celebrations are filled with love and togetherness.

SENIOR CARE

Twelve Days Houston has partnered with 2 local nursing facilities to provide their residents with holiday gift baskets complete with warm blankets, sweaters, games, books, reading glasses, bibles, and toiletries. We believe that every individual deserves to feel seen, cherished, and cared for during the holiday season.

SCHOLARSHIPS

In 2022, a $5,000 scholarship was established in loving memory of Valra Johnson, a visionary founding member of the Twelve Days of Christmas, Inc. In 2024, two dedicated students from Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M were honored with $2,500 each, empowering their journey in Early Childhood Education and shaping the future of our children.

Our Collaborators

We are sincerely grateful to our amazing sponsors, donors, and collaborators for their generous support, which allows us to reach our goals and keep serving our community with excellence. Your support is invaluable, and we genuinely appreciate your contributions.