Every great movement begins with a simple act of kindness.
Thankful Hearts of Texas Inc. was founded in 2014 by Sara and Chad Gerke and Jennifer and Chris McNally, two families who shared a dream to make life brighter for children who need it most. What began as a small local effort to support one school soon grew into a powerful mission of hope that now touches hundreds of young lives across Fort Bend County.
We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and enriching the lives of disadvantaged children by meeting their academic, social, and emotional needs. Our purpose is to ensure that every child feels seen, supported, and valued.
Since our beginnings at Seguin Early Childhood Center in Richmond, Texas, we have worked hand in hand with schools, educators, and families to create opportunities that help children learn, play, and grow in safe and loving environments.
Thankfull.org is our official online home, a place where stories of compassion, generosity, and transformation come together to inspire others to give with gratitude.
At Thankful Hearts of Texas, we believe that every act of kindness creates a ripple of change that reaches far beyond the classroom. Our work focuses on supporting children and families through programs that bring comfort, joy, and opportunity.
Nutrition Support: No child should go to school hungry. Through our meal and snack initiatives, we help provide nutritious food to children facing food insecurity so they can focus on learning instead of worrying about their next meal.
School Supplies: Every child deserves to learn with pride. We supply backpacks filled with school essentials, ensuring that children start each year prepared and confident. A backpack represents more than supplies, it carries hope, dignity, and belonging.
Literacy Programs: Books open doors to imagination and growth. Through our book drives and storybook projects, we fill classroom libraries and send books home with children who might not have access to them, nurturing a lifelong love of learning.
Family Crisis Support: Families facing crisis deserve comfort and care. When tragedy strikes, we respond with compassion by providing clothing, shoes, toiletries, towels, and other essentials to help them rebuild with dignity and peace of mind.
Teacher Support: Teachers are heroes who need support. We help educators by providing classroom materials, gift cards, and emergency supplies for their students. A supported teacher inspires stronger learners and happier classrooms.
Playground Development: Playtime is learning time. We advocate for safe, inclusive playgrounds where children can laugh, grow, and connect. Every playground we help build is a place where imagination thrives and friendships begin.
Holiday Programs: Joy is a gift every child should experience. During the holidays, we bring celebration and connection through our classroom sponsorships and gift programs, reminding every child that they are loved and remembered.
Community Care: Beyond our main programs, we also offer community care by donating hygiene products, clothing, and school supplies where they are most needed, ensuring no child is overlooked and no teacher stands alone.
Our mission is to empower and enrich the lives of disadvantaged children in Fort Bend County by supporting their academic, social, and emotional development.
We partner with schools, educators, families, and volunteers to provide resources, learning opportunities, and meaningful experiences that help every child discover their potential and thrive.
At Thankful Hearts of Texas, we believe that every act of generosity is a lesson in love, and every child we reach is a story rewritten with hope.
We envision a community where every child is seen, supported, and celebrated.
A community where poverty never defines potential, where teachers are uplifted, and where kindness grows from generation to generation.
Through compassion and collaboration, we are building a future filled with opportunity, joy, and belonging.