Klein ISD Health Science Students Lead 2025 Holidays of Hope to Serve Houston’s Homeless
For the sixth year running, Klein Independent School District's Career & Technical Education (CTE) Health Science programs have proven that compassion and career preparation can go hand-in-hand—especially during the holidays.
Through its 2025 Holidays of Hope initiative, Klein ISD joined forces once again with Houston Methodist Willowbrook (HMW) Nurse Residents to make a meaningful difference for individuals facing homelessness in the Greater Houston area. This annual project reflects a heartfelt partnership grounded in community service, hands-on learning, and the shared goal of bringing hope to those who need it most.
This year's community outreach focused on supporting H.O.P.E. Haven, a local nonprofit devoted to meeting the basic needs of Houston’s unhoused population. Health Science students from all five Klein ISD high schools rallied their peers and teachers to coordinate a massive donation effort. Their energy and organization resulted in the assembly of more than 1,250 fully stocked Survival Kits, containing essential items like toothbrushes, hand wipes, non-perishable snacks, and bottled water.
When combined with the efforts of the Houston Methodist Willowbrook Nurse Residents, that number soared past 2,000 Survival Kits—a tangible reminder of the impact that collaboration can have when driven by purpose and empathy.
Kristyn Stillwell, Executive Director of H.O.P.E. Haven, accepted the donations on behalf of the organization, which will distribute the kits to unhoused individuals across the region. “This initiative makes a real difference in people’s lives,” Stillwell shared. “Each kit is a message that someone cares.”
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Students in the following Klein ISD Health Science pathways participated in the effort:
- Medical Science College Program
- Emergency Medical Technician Program
- Health Science Clinical Program
- Biomedical Sciences Program
- Pharmacy Program
- Health Care Diagnostics Program
More than 2,500 students contributed in total—demonstrating the power of service-based education and the kind of community commitment Klein ISD continues to foster.
The district emphasizes that these students are not only preparing for careers in clinics and hospitals, but also learning to lead with compassion, generosity, and a commitment to service—core values that are just as essential in the healthcare field.
This year’s student representatives from each high school were:
- Klein High: Elilzabell Vo, Sydney Phan-Ta
- Klein Forest: Debbie Hoang, Abigail Hernandez
- Klein Oak: Aditi Naveen, Carmen Marroquin
- Klein Collins: Larkin Ava, Kayla Nguyen
- Klein Cain: Holly Avery, Colin Dang
The Holidays of Hope effort is just one example of how Klein ISD CTE programming helps students learn far beyond textbooks. With strong partnerships—like the one with Houston Methodist Willowbrook—and meaningful causes like H.O.P.E. Haven, students are empowered to step into leadership roles that prepare them for both professional success and civic engagement.
To learn more about Klein ISD’s CTE programs and how they’re shaping future leaders in health care and beyond, visit kleinisd.net/programs.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
