Children are often surprised to learn that there may be kids in their school whose families can’t afford toys for Christmas.  Students at White Rock Elementary learned that even at their tender age, they can make a difference in the lives of others by participating in the NETWORK of Community Ministries’ annual Kids Helping Kids program.  Kids Helping Kids offers the opportunity to plant the seeds of compassion and service in our next generation.  Kids Helping Kids provides community service opportunities to elementary age children through student led toy drives that benefit Richardson ISD children in need.  Under the leadership of Brittany Code, White Rock Elementary School Counselor, the students hosted a toy drive for three weeks and with the help of their parents, delivered the toys to NETWORK’s Toyland Express Warehouse.  As Ms. Code so eloquently shared, “I think giving is such an important lesson for our students to learn early on”. 

We are proud of the students at White Rock Elementary for having such giving hearts and spreading holiday joy to our neighbors who need it most.  

NETWORK of Community Ministries, Inc., (NETWORK), founded in 1985, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization supported by businesses, individuals, and a coalition of religious, civic and social organizations. NETWORK officially opened its doors on February 3, 1986. It provides health and emergency services to children, low-income families, and senior citizens in need within RISD. The mission is “caring, coaching, and empowering our neighbors in need as they seek an improved quality of life.” The organization has three divisions: Emergency Services, the Adolescent and Children’s Clinic, and The Seniors’ Net. In addition to the service to families, NETWORK also strives to educate the local community on issues that affect those in need. NETWORK has a small paid staff and hundreds of volunteers who actualize its mission and vision to promote self-sufficiency for low income families.

For more information about how to give, or volunteer at NETWORK, please visit www.thenetwork.org.