Laredo Teens Lead School Supply Drive for Kids in Need

When most high schoolers were enjoying their last weeks of summer, a group of Laredo teens spent hours in the Texas heat collecting school supplies for kids who needed them most.

The United Way of Laredo's Fill the Bus event at a local Walmart brought together an impressive coalition of volunteers. But it was the student-led organization Nourish Laredo that truly stood out.

These young volunteers didn't just show up to drop off donations. They arrived with toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, and other essentials they'd collected beforehand. Then they spent the entire day helping families and children living in agency shelters prepare for the new school year.

"They rolled up their sleeves and got to work," said Peggy Duncan, United Way of Laredo Executive Director. The students carried posters, loaded supplies onto the bus, managed volunteer check-ins, and handed out service hour certificates. Their organization and commitment impressed everyone watching.

Among the standout volunteers was Alheyda Guerra, Miss Pennsylvania Teen USA, who started her own Community First Initiative. She gathered friends for a social event that collected $200 in school supplies and $400 in cash donations for United Way.

"Giving back has shown me how powerful it can be to make someone feel supported, valued and capable of achieving their dreams," Alheyda shared. At just 13 years old, she had already assembled and delivered 100 Easter baskets to children in need.

Sunny's Take

What makes this story special isn't just the supplies collected or the money raised. It's watching the next generation choose service over sleep-ins, choosing community over convenience.

Alheyda graduated summa cum laude with a perfect GPA and is heading to Texas A&M University on a full-ride scholarship. Yet she still finds time to rally her peers around helping others. The Nourish Laredo students coordinated volunteers, managed logistics, and created a professional operation that would impress any nonprofit leader.

Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, local beauty queens, corporate volunteers from Howard Energy and Caterpillar, and representatives from agencies like Casa de Misericordia and the Salvation Army all joined forces. Sister Isidra from Sacred Heart Children's Home drove the bus to the event and stayed for over five hours to help.

The event became more than a supply drive. It became proof that when young people lead with purpose, entire communities respond with enthusiasm.

These Laredo teens are showing everyone what the future looks like, and it's bright.