![\"nvyndnnw\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/nvyndnnw.jpeg;w=960.jpeg\"\/)
\nPhoto: Storehouse Community Center <\/p>\n
North Texas Students Log 2,161 Volunteer Hours And Collect 2,503 Winter Clothing Items \n<\/p>\n
A group of North Texas students is proving that community impact can start well before graduation. This year, 40 student leaders with The Storehouse Community Center contributed more than 2,161 volunteer hours while leading service initiatives that supported neighbors across the region.<\/p>\n
Their efforts included a six-school winter clothing drive that collected 2,503 coats and cold-weather items, setting a new record for the organization\u2019s Youth Leadership Council (YLC).<\/p>\n
The accomplishments were recognized during The Storehouse\u2019s annual year-end celebration honoring student leadership, volunteerism and community service.<\/p>\n
A Record-Breaking Year Of Service<\/p>\n
Founded in 2021, the Youth Leadership Council serves as a leadership development program for high school students interested in nonprofit work, community engagement and public service.<\/p>\n
This year marked the council\u2019s highest level of service to date, with members averaging 54 volunteer hours each, well above the program\u2019s annual commitment of 30 hours.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis year\u2019s Youth Leadership Council members demonstrated what is possible when young people are empowered to lead with compassion, creativity and purpose,\u201d Candace Winslow, CEO of The Storehouse Community Center said in an official statement.<\/p>\n
\nPhoto: Storehouse Community Center
<\/p>\n
Six Schools Unite For A Common Cause<\/p>\n
One of the council\u2019s largest projects was the “Warm Hearts with Warm Coats” campaign, a collaborative clothing drive involving six North Texas schools:<\/p>\n
\n\tPlano West Senior High School
\n\tJohn Paul II High School
\n\tPrince of Peace Christian School
\n\tHebron High School
\n\tShepton High School
\n\tFrisco Memorial High School
<\/p>\n
Students developed the campaign branding, coordinated collections and even created hand-painted fireplace-themed donation boxes to encourage participation. The effort generated 2,503 coats and winter clothing items for local families in need, more than four times the previous year\u2019s total of 562 items.<\/p>\n
Supporting Neighbors Year-Round<\/p>\n
The students\u2019 impact extended beyond winter clothing.<\/p>\n
Additional projects included:<\/p>\n
\n\tCollecting 284 pairs of socks and underwear for neighbors in need
\n\tVolunteering in The Storehouse food pantry
\n\tSupporting clothing assistance programs
\n\tPreparing hundreds of protein bites for adult learners enrolled in the nonprofit\u2019s Academy ESL program
<\/p>\n
Throughout the year, students also gained firsthand experience learning about nonprofit operations through program tours, leadership discussions and community impact case studies.<\/p>\n
![\"defj11xq\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/defj11xq.jpeg;w=960.jpeg\"\/)
\nPhoto: Storehouse Community Center
<\/p>\n
Recognizing Outstanding Student Leaders<\/p>\n
The Storehouse honored three recipients of the annual David Huerta Student Volunteer Award, which recognizes students who exemplify service and leadership while contributing exceptional volunteer hours.<\/p>\n
2026 Award Recipients<\/p>\n
\n\tLucas Gonzales, John Paul II High School \u2014 185.25 hours
\n\tAlberto Ramos Hinojosa, John Paul II High School \u2014 129.75 hours
\n\tJavier Alonso, John Paul II High School \u2014 111 hours
<\/p>\n
This marks the first year all three recipients exceeded 100 volunteer hours.<\/p>\n
Lessons Beyond The Classroom<\/p>\n
Graduating seniors reflected on how the experience shaped their understanding of service and leadership.<\/p>\n
\u201cThrough volunteering at The Storehouse, I\u2019ve learned that service has a way of changing you,\u201d said graduating senior Tessa Devasia, valedictorian of John Paul II High School\u2019s Class of 2026. \u201cSometimes it\u2019s just showing up, giving your time and being willing to serve wherever you\u2019re needed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Senior Brad Bai said the program helped redefine leadership for him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have learned that leadership means taking the initiative to help others and lift them up,\u201d Bai said. \u201cThe YLC has given me an incredible experience through meeting new people, building lasting friendships and helping me grow into the person I am today.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"zhovvriq\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/zhovvriq.jpeg;w=960.jpeg\"\/)
\nPhoto: Storehouse Community Center
<\/p>\n
Why It Matters<\/p>\n
As communities across North Texas continue growing, organizations like The Storehouse rely heavily on volunteers to help meet increasing needs. The Youth Leadership Council not only provides critical support today but also helps cultivate the next generation of civic and nonprofit leaders.<\/p>\n
For these students, the results speak for themselves: more than 2,100 volunteer hours, thousands of donated clothing items and a meaningful impact on neighbors throughout the region.<\/p>\n
Students interested in future Youth Leadership Council opportunities can volunteer<\/a> with The Storehouse throughout the year. High school students who complete 30 lifetime volunteer hours become eligible to apply for the council during its annual application period.<\/p>\n