Press Releases

600 Holiday Gifts and 200 Winter Jackets Given to Students Just in Time for the Holidays

HOUSTON — In a touching and groundbreaking event, the JET Talasek Foundation recently hosted its first-ever Holiday Gift Distribution Assembly at Spring Branch Elementary in Houston. This campus serves an at-risk population, with 98 percent of its students living below the poverty line. The JET Talasek Foundation provided 600 holiday gifts to the school – including one small toy for every single student. The Foundation also purchased nearly 200 winter jackets for the 4th and 5th-grade classes.

“Our students face various challenges here at Spring Branch, and most of their families do not have the means to provide holiday gifts or winter clothing,” said Principal David Rodriguez. “Many of our students wish for a Christmas filled with warmth and joy. The JET Talasek Foundation has made this wish a reality today. We are profoundly grateful for their love and kindness.”

The assembly drew attendance from Foundation supporters, partners, and VIP guests including JP Warren, author of the children’s book “Energy for Everyone.” Warren briefly spoke to the students about his book, which takes readers on a journey to explore the different types of energy that power our world. Warren donated dozens of copies of his book to the Spring Branch Elementary campus and graciously fulfilled autograph requests during the assembly.

Two professional players from the Houston SaberCats Major League Rugby team also made a special appearance. The SaberCats answered a few questions about the sport of rugby and then helped distribute holiday gifts to the elementary students.

“The Houston SaberCats believe in giving back, and events like this strengthen our bond within the community which we proudly represent," said Lauren Leal, Director of Marketing and Media Relations for the SaberCats.

This first-ever Holiday Gift Distribution Assembly not only helped address some immediate seasonal needs of these students, but it also established a foundation for forthcoming activities and additional volunteer opportunities within the school.

"Today is a testament to the power of collective action and the belief that, together, we can make a real difference,” said Founder Justin Talasek. “Every child deserves a memorable holiday season, and we’re honored to be able to bring joy to these deserving students at Spring Branch Elementary.”

The JET Talasek Foundation will soon begin partnering with the campus to help provide positive role models and mentors for Spring Branch Elementary students.

For more information about the Foundation and other upcoming initiatives, visit JETTalasekFoundation.org.

About Spring Branch Elementary School: Spring Branch Elementary School is part of the Spring Branch Independent School District. With around 500 students enrolled, over half of the student body is considered Economically Disadvantaged. Over two-thirds of the students participate in bilingual and English language learning programs. In the latest academic year, the school achieved an excellent accountability rating of A. The school is dedicated to realizing the district's T-2-4 vision, which strives to prepare each student for a college or career path. The school aims to foster the Core Characteristics of a T-2-4 Ready Graduate to empower their students to achieve their full potential.

About the JET Talasek Foundation

The JET Talasek Foundation was born from a calling by the founder, Justin Talasek, to identify and meet the needs of underserved families in the community. The Foundation's mission is to transform impoverished communities into thriving neighborhoods with opportunities for all. The Foundation provides these opportunities through volunteer efforts, fundraising events, partnerships, and the collection of donations. To learn more, visit JETTalasekFoundation.org. Contact

Jessica Bennett, Media Relations [email protected]

7069-643-281