STISD Rising Scholars Academy club partners with local nonprofit organization to make the holidays brighter for RGV kids

The holidays will certainly feel brighter for some Rio Grande Valley children this year as a result of a collaborative effort between the Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Club at STISD Rising Scholars Academy in San Benito and a local nonprofit.

The RAK Club held a toy drive from Dec. 7-15, during which time students and campus faculty and staff donated approximately 60 toys ranging from toy vehicles to dolls and games. Although many students continue to participate in classes from home through the district’s virtual instruction method, those learning on campus and from afar came together to give back to the local community.

On Thursday, Dec. 17, the RAK Club president, Cassandra Oropeza, and vice president, Renata Trevino, presented the donated toys to Blessings from Friends (or BFF), a local faith-based non-profit organization that works primarily with Child Protective Services and long-term foster home children. The items will be used as part of a larger campaign with another local nonprofit, Blue Sunday Child Abuse Prevention, which also supports children under CPS care.

According to the BFF website, the organization’s mission involves providing opportunities for children to be valued through celebration and provision of basic needs to build self-worth and self-esteem. Their services include providing basic needs such as hygiene, clothing and shoes, and providing life-enriching experiences such as birthday parties and celebrating holidays.

South Texas ISD Rising Scholars Academy is one of two middle schools within South Texas Independent School District. The campus serves 7th and 8th-grade students from throughout the Rio Grande Valley through a rigorous academic curriculum, enabling them to earn above-grade-level coursework and develop the skills and habits necessary for success in higher learning while still in junior high. For additional information, visit http://risingscholars.stisd.net or call (956) 399-4358.