Every child deserves to wake up to the magic of Christmas morning.

This year, students at The British International School of Houston turned that belief into action through the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, ensuring more than 100 underserved children and senior citizens across Houston received gifts of new clothing and toys. The initiative, led by BIS Houston’s Angels of Kindness team, raised over $20,000.00 in donations and gifts, making the holidays brighter for families in need.

What Is the Angel Tree Program?

The Salvation Army Angel Tree program connects donors with local families who might otherwise go without holiday gifts. Once a child or senior adult is registered and accepted as an Angel, their Christmas wish list is shared with donors who purchase new clothing and toys. These gifts are then delivered to families to place under their Christmas tree, creating moments of joy during the festive season.

“At BIS Houston, we believe leadership starts with empathy,” said Barrie Scrymgeour, Principal of BIS Houston. “Our students didn’t just donate - they organized, planned, and inspired others to give. The Angel Tree project reflects the values we teach every day: kindness, responsibility, and global citizenship.”

More than gifts: a season of service

While Angel Tree was the centerpiece of this year’s holiday giving, BIS Houston students also led other impactful initiatives:

· Blood drive – Partnering with Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, students welcomed 31 donors, collected 36 donations, and helped save up to 108 lives.

· World Children’s Day – Through UNICEF fundraising, students raised over $2,000.00 to support global programs for children in need.

· Local outreach – Food drives for Houston Food Bank and creative fundraising for MD Anderson Cancer Center, including student-led candy cane sales.

Why this matters for your child

Parents often ask what makes BIS Houston different.

“The answer is simple: we combine academic excellence with values-driven learning,” said a spokesperson for the school in an email to the Katy Times. “Our inclusive education prioritizes wellbeing, connects students to global challenges, and celebrates creativity alongside achievement. These experiences help your child grow into a well-rounded individual who cares deeply about the world.”

Looking ahead: 25,000 hours of impact

As BIS Houston celebrates its 25th anniversary, students are taking service to the next level with the 25,000-Hour Challenge. This initiative invites every member of the school community - from Early Years to Year 13 - to contribute acts of kindness and service, creating a legacy of leadership and global citizenship.

About The British International School of Houston

The British International School of Houston, located at 2203 N. Westgreen Blvd. in Katy, is part of Nord Anglia Education, a global family of more than 80 day and boarding schools in 37 countries, teaching over 95,000 students aged 3 to 18.