Spindletop Army Volunteers with YMCA in 2019

YMCA of Greater Houston

With 25 centers across the Greater Houston area, the YMCA of Greater Houston is committed to building stronger communities for youth development. Values and skills learned early are vital building blocks for life. Because of the YMCA, more young people are taking a greater interest in learning and making smarter life choices. Children and teens are realizing their potential by learning values and positive behaviors, as well as exploring their unique talents and interests. The Spindletop Emerging Leader Steering Committee and Spindletop Army enjoyed two volunteer projects in 2019 where they had the chance to help the thousands of children served by the YMCA.

“Volunteerism has positively changed the way we interact with our community and allowed us to expand industry fellowship while giving back.”
Jordan Zaiser, Flowserve Corporation, Spindletop Emerging Leader Steering Committee

YMCA STEM Day

The Cossaboom YMCA, which served students in Houston’s East End, was destroyed during Hurricane Harvey, leaving a void to educate the area’s children. The YMCA decided not to rebuild this Y, having had a total loss in three additional centers due to Harvey’s wrath. Through funding from Spindletop, the YMCA was able to provide these children a summer enrichment program at Franklin Elementary, the Spindletop Scholars Academy. Spindletop Emerging Leaders and Army volunteers conducted a STEM day for the students, ranging from kindergarten to 5th grade. Through different stations, the students were able to become more knowledgeable on coding, insulation, sediment settling and more! Volunteers enjoyed spending time with the students and teaching them about engineering and science.

YMCA Operation Backpack Stuffing

YMCA centers across the Greater Houston area held their annual Operation Backpack initiative in August. Operation Backpack provides school supplies for children in the community, so they may start school with the tools they need to be successful. Spindletop Army volunteers worked diligently to help stuff more than 2,500 backpacks.