Helen’s Kids Gives back to Stinnett

Editors Note: This Christmas marks 31 years that Helen’s Kids has been supporting the youth of Stinnett.

A big-hearted woman started Helen’s Kids, and for 23 years, she would spend her Christmas season doing what she did best—giving.

Helen Looney started her Christmas project, Helen’s Kids, in 1992. Looney passed away in 2007, but Helen’s Kids continues to live on in her legacy.

Today, her daughter Amber and three fellow board members run the not-for-profit Helen’s Kids.

“It’s the 31st year for this program. It wouldn’t be possible without the help of the community. I was 16 when my momma came home and told us that we wouldn’t have Christmas because we would buy Christmas for a few kids in Stinnett who didn’t get Christmas presents. I think we got presents for five or six kids that year, and it has just grown since,” said Amber.

This year, so far, Helen’s Kids is blessing 22 families and 58 kids in the Stinnett community.

“I say “so far” because we usually get requests for help up to the day before Christmas. Stockings are placed at (Stinnett) city hall, and the community can go pick a stocking and buy things for the kiddo listed,” said Amber.

Stockings are still available to “adopt” children to bless with Christmas gifts.

This year, Helen’s Kids requests that those who “adopt” a kid to bless with gifts bring the wrapped or unwrapped gifts to the Stinnett Community Building on Thursday, December 21, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. or Friday, December 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In addition to the Christmas presents for the kids, Helen’s Kids also holds an annual can food drive at PSPCISD.

The class that collects the most canned foods is treated to a pizza party by Helen’s Kids. Along with the canned foods collected, recipient families also receive a ham.

Amber said, “We purchase each family one ham to cook for Christmas dinner. If the family is larger, we purchase two hams.”

Helen’s Kids also provides three $1,000 scholarships to seniors at West Texas High School each year. For more information on Helen’s Kids, contact Amber at 806-3369733.