School Participation Guidelines & Requirements


Welcome School Coordinators!

Thank you for your interest in our 38th Annual Christmas Program. Your support is essential to making this program a success and bringing joy to children in need.

⚠️Please review the participation guidelines and requirements below and confirm your school’s involvement by 📅 Friday, April 18, 2025.


To participate:

  1. 🏫Returning participants click "Confirm Your School’s 2025 Participation", below.

  2. 🆕New Applicants click "New School Program Interest Form", below.

  3. ✍️Submit the required information.


Please note:

  • 📌 To participate in this program, schools must be Title I eligible.


We deeply appreciate your dedication and look forward to another successful year together, spreading hope 🙏 and bringing happiness 🎁 to children in need. If you're interested in participating or have any questions about the program, please email us or call us at 832-689-4518.

Here’s a quick overview of the basic requirements for schools to participate in our annual event:

⚠️ Mandatory Participation Requirements 📋

  1. 📅 School Meeting: School Coordinators must attend one of two virtual meetings on Thursday, September 11, 2025.

  2. 💰 Registration Fee: A $200 registration fee is required. No cash accepted — only Check or PayPal/Credit Card payments. 💳

  3. 🚗 Transportation: Schools are responsible for arranging and providing their own transportation to the NRG Center, Hall E. Please ensure transportation is secured as early as possible. 🕒

  4. ✍️ Essay Submission: Please submit 40 essays written by invited children, with the theme: "If I Had 3 Wishes, I Would Wish For..." These essays will be thoughtfully reviewed and may be selected for participation in the “Little Wishes” Program.

  5. 🥫 Canned Goods Donation: Each child is asked to bring two canned goods to the event to support those in need. This helps teach children the value of giving back and making a difference in their community. ❤️


🙋‍♀️ Who Can Participate? 🤔

  • 40 Children (Ages 6-12): Selected by the school, with priority given to low-income children or those from families facing hardships. Each child will receive 3-5 gifts, with the possibility of additional gifts contingent on community sponsorship and support. Additional resources may also be provided.

  • 4 Chaperones: One chaperone is required for every 10 children. Please note, chaperones should not bring their own children to the event.

📅 SAVE THE DATES: 2025 Event Dates at NRG Center Hall E 🎉

  • Gift Wrapping Party:

  • Christmas Program:

    • Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025 (Tentative)

    • Time: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM (Arrive by 9:00 AM).

    • Event: A Christmas party for 50 schools and 2,000 children, where each child will receive 3-5 gifts.

    • Bonus: Each school will receive two bikes as door prizes (if funding is available).

⚠️ Important Participation Info: 📋

We encourage all interested schools to apply early and ensure they meet all requirements to be considered.

  • Participation is not automatic and is limited to a maximum of 50 schools contingent on funding available.

  • Schools that participated last year will receive priority to join again this year.

  • After last year’s schools have been considered, new submissions will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Submissions will be carefully reviewed and considered by our board. Please keep in mind that while we appreciate every application, submission does not guarantee participation.

  • Schools from last year may be removed from participation if:

    • Fewer than 30 participants attended the event, or

    • The school did not meet one or more of the mandatory requirements outlined above.

    • Because of limited funding each year, the number of schools able to participate may be affected, whether they’re returning or new. While we don’t expect this to happen, it’s something to keep in mind.

👉 Next Steps:

🎉 For Returning Schools - Welcome Back!
Thank you for participating in last year's Christmas program! If your school is returning for this year’s program, please confirm your participation as soon as possible. Your prompt confirmation helps us ensure a smooth and efficient process for all involved.

  • ✅Confirm your participation by filling out the form below titled ‘Confirm Your School’s 2025 Participation’.

  • Please wait until you receive an official ✅ approval email from our board, which will include a link to the School Representatives: Planning Timeline & Deliverables. The registration fee 💳 should only be submitted once your school has been officially selected for participation. 🎉

🆕 For New Schools Interested in Joining this Year’s Program:
We’d love to have you join this year’s program! To get started, simply fill out and submit the registration form below. After reviewing your information, we’ll send you all the details for the next steps.

  • Interested in Participating? If your school would like to join this year’s Christmas program, please ✅sign up by clicking the button below: ‘New School Program Interest Form’.

  • Please wait until you receive an official ✅ approval email from our board, which will include a link to the School Representatives: Planning Timeline & Deliverables. The registration fee 💳 should only be submitted once your school has been officially selected for participation. 🎉