'My heart goes out to them' | Community rallies to support Walt Disney Elementary School teachers impacted by tornado

ALVIN, Texas — On Saturday, the city of Pearland wrapped up its two-day school supply drive, which benefitted teachers and students at Alvin ISD’s Walt Disney Elementary School.

The school building was destroyed a week ago by an EF-2 tornado, and with classes set to start in less than three days, neighboring communities like Pearland are stepping up to help.  

The donation drive took place outside Pearland City Hall where a steady stream of boxes lined up along the sidewalk were quickly filled with school supplies. 

“People are showing up and just pouring their heart out,” said City of Pearland Mayor, Kevin Cole.

Cole helped organize the drive.  

“We honestly really didn’t have an expectation other than give people the outlet,” he said.

Friday’s drive he shared was a complete success.

“About 75 or 80 boxes of supplies heading to Alvin, we’ll probably do the same today,” said Cole.  

Among the donations there was a box with the message “Supplies for 1 student, wish I could do more” written on it. “That’s what it’s all about, neighbors helping neighbors,” said Cole.

It’s help that’s greatly appreciated after a tornado touched down in Alvin last Saturday, destroying dozens of homes as well as the elementary school. 

Alving ISD called the campus a total loss, and with more than 500 students and teachers set to return from winter break on Tuesday, the district shared crews are working overtime getting the former building on Rosharon Road ready to serve as Walt Disney Elementary School’s temporary home.

Meanwhile, neighboring communities are answering the need for school supplies.

“It’s a huge undertaking, my heart goes out to them,” said Tonja Dorsett, who stopped to drop off donations Saturday morning.

Dorsett is a former Alvin ISD teacher.

“The teachers in Alvin are so dedicated, I’ve worked with some of the best and most amazing teachers, and their hearts are with their kids, and I know they’re going to do everything they can, but I had some resources and wanted to lend a hand,” said Dorsett.

Another former teacher who wanted to help was Elsa Garza. She and her husband drove an hour from Freeport to drop off several crates of donations.  

“I was a teacher for 41 years, I retired and when I heard the story about that someone need the supplies more than I did, we started loading up the truck,” said Garza.

She, like others, are hoping their warm embrace provides strength to the Alvin community as they continue to recover.

“We love you; we take care of you, your community is here for you, and you can come back from this,” said Garza.