Houston Mayor's Youth Council approves Dec. 10 holiday stocking project, rejects Thanksgiving toy drive

The Houston Mayor's Youth Council voted on Nov. 12 to participate in a December holiday service-learning event to assemble and distribute stockings for seniors and a District K elementary school while declining to run an independent Thanksgiving toy drive.

Ms. Jackson, an advisor to the council, told members they had been invited by the Volunteer Initiatives Program — led by Roman Aguilar — to take part in a Dec. 10 stocking-stuffer event and asked the council to decide whether to participate. "This is a December 10 service learning project/holiday party for the mayor's youth council, and we would be putting together stockings for seniors in the community," Ms. Jackson said.

Council members discussed logistics and outreach, including whether donations should come primarily from members or from partner organizations; Ms. Jackson said partners would supply some items and members could donate cards, puzzles and coloring books. After discussion, Chair called a hand-raise vote on joining the Dec. 10 project. "That motion clearly passes," the Chair said.

Members then considered a separate Thanksgiving toy-drive proposal. After members debated timing and drop-off logistics, the council voted against running the Thanksgiving toy drive as a separate project; the Chair stated, "That motion clearly fails."

Instead the council approved donating volunteer time around Thanksgiving at an established venue. Ms. Jackson cited possible partners including the Houston Food Bank and said the George R. Brown Convention Center was a likely option for volunteer shifts. She said she would circulate a Google form and asked members to confirm availability by Sunday, Nov. 17.

The meeting record shows the council set Dec. 10 as the date for its next meeting, which will include the stocking assembly and a holiday social element. Ms. Jackson said she will distribute a flyer and additional volunteer details once they are available.