Our Beginning
In 2008 our founder, Lori Gasca, was at a track meet for elementary schools in Montgomery County. As the different schools took the track, she noticed a distinct difference between one school to the next. Some children were running in dress shoes and blue jeans that would barely stay around his waist while others wore designer sneakers and top of the line athletic gear. It opened her eyes to the dichotomy that was happening right in our back yard.
The children stayed in her mind and on her heart for days after the event. With a nudge from God, she contacted the counselor at the school that the children attended to see if there was any way she could help. With help from the school, Lori and her husband provided the boys with their immediate needs. The counselor shared with Lori that they were one of many other children and families at their school in similar situations and needs.
As it usually happens when God has a hand in your path, a nudge turned into action and Moms Helping Moms was created. Our first event quickly came together to providie summer clothing, shoes, food, and free eye exams for the children at the school with so many needs. The families and Administration were beyond grateful and our relationship grew and flourished.
Later that summer, Hurricane Ike hit the Houston area. Schools were without power for nearly two weeks. During that time, local school counselors literally hit the streets in an effort to keep in touch with their families who were also without power and most home from their jobs. The counselors saw how easily things could turn from living paycheck to paycheck into a desperate situation. Again, we felt the call to answer a need for families in Montgomery County.
Project Hope was the answer to that calling. Through grateful hearts in the community and heart-felt donations, we were able provide families with gently used clothing, gifts for the children and their parents during our first year.
We’ve been fortunate to help thousands of children all over the county over the past 13 years with Project Hope. We’ve expanded, learned, and grown over this time but still provide clothing and toys for children in each household nominated by the counselors from birth to 18 years.
Thanks to our generous donors, in addition to Project Hope, we host Back to School events, Kids Summer support and support for children of prisoners. We provide clothing, shoes, and undergarments for kids at the requests of local school counselors and nurses where needed.