Harris County Department of Education Head Start students at the Fifth Ward, Pugh, Dogan, Coolwood, San Jacinto and Sheffield centers received more than $10,000 worth of backpacks and school supplies donated by Houston-based business Plantgistix.

The Plantgistix Community Outreach Committee, consisting of Darryl Dastous, Felesia Taylor, Tiffani Speller and Scott Skrabanek, delivered the backpacks on Sept. 25 to the Sheffield Head Start Center located at 14300 Wallisville Rd. Plantgistix  also donated $100 to each of the 24 classrooms for additional materials and supplies.

The committee members, along with Plantgistix CEO Marc Levine, understand the importance of early learning and the impact these supplies can make for students. The backpacks, containing essential classroom items such as colored markers, crayons, glue sticks and folders, will fill a need for many families affected by Hurricane Harvey.

“I believe everyone deserves an opportunity to grow,” said Levine. “We at Plantgistix are honored to be able to help meet the needs of others.”

A recent survey conducted by the HCDE Head Start division showed nearly 70 families at the six centers receiving the donation experienced some sort of damage to their homes or cars. Many other families saw an impact on their financial situation as a result of the storm.

“This donation from Plantgistix is even more necessary for the success of our students in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey,” said HCDE Head Start Senior Director Venetia Peacock. “We’re thankful to our community partners for filling a vital need in the Head Start community.”

HCDE is currently recruiting students for all 15 Head Start centers located in northeast Harris County. For information about enrollment or locations, call (713) 672-9343 or visit www.hcde-texas.org/headstart. For more information on Plantgistix, visit www.plantgistix.com.

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