Uvalde’s children were blessed with Christmas presents Thursday, December 15 as children entered the Willie de Leon Civic Center, they were greeted with Christmas music, Christmas trees, and cheers from Drake Athletics nonprofit volunteers.
They also brought notes of encouragement written by teachers at Fort Worth Christian School to teachers in Uvalde, along with gift cards for teachers.
Coach Terry Drake, CEO of Drake Athletics, said he felt a calling to bless the children of Uvalde this Christmas. As he talked about his vision, there was a groundswell of support.
“We are so grateful to everyone who stepped up to help. We couldn’t make this happen without our generous sponsors, partners, volunteers, and especially our leadership atFort Worth Christian School,” said Coach Drake, who is not only an alumnus of FWC but also helps with the middle school athletics and is the Director of Alumni Relations.
When approached about the project, Dr. Misty Overman, the Head of School at Fort Worth Christian School, enthusiastically offered the full support of the FWC family and resources.
The National Honor Society helped collect gift cards for teachers and the Junior National Honor Society helped stuff the bags full of presents.
Coach Nate, Fort Worth Christian School Athletic Director, and his athletic office and athletes helped with the toy drive. Coach Lauren Smeds sent the volunteers off with breakfast and Josiah’s House provided meals on the way home.
Over 30 Texas schools participated in the toy drive, thanks to Coach Heath Autrey, head baseball coach at Corsicana High School in Corsicana, Texas, and Coach Jason Farrow, Head Baseball Coach at Forney High School in Forney. Together, they recruited athletic coaches who organized local toy drives with their student-athletes collecting toy donations.
Coach Drake and Coach Clint Massey spent several days driving to schools throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area to pick up the donated toys.
Thank you to Gloria Resma, City of Uvalde Main Street Manager, and Mikka Sanchez at the Uvalde School District for coordinating with Drake Athletics to make this event happen.
Coach Drake’s nonprofit Drake Athletics teaches leadership skills through sports but they obviously do so much more. Visit www.drakeathletics.net for more details.
Article originally posted in the Uvalde Hesperian