Closer to a month now, since Hurricane Beryl left a devastating effect, especially on the areas of Houston. Even if by bit, the community is getting back on its feet. And helping take a little burden off the parents and guardians of school-going children in the midst, are the city’s very own Shaunie and Keion Henderson.

With this being the final weekend of summer vacation for the kids in Houston, Shaunie, and Keion successfully held a campaign – Lightfest, to offer free school supplies. The National Retail Federation estimates that the total back-to-school spending in the country this year will reach $39 billion – 25% higher than the expenses in 2019. That would mean a total of $875 for each household this year – may be why Shaquille O’Neal led a similar drive too.

Now back in Houston, the Hendersons with the Lighthouse Church are giving in ways they can. “Many are struggling especially after the storm. As you can see, people really needed the help so it’s only right,” Shaunie says. Not just supplies for school, but the church also helped in providing free haircuts for the kids.

Shaunie Henderson reveals that about 700 kids were aided through the drive. “About 700 students received free school supplies at #LIGHTFEST as the first day of school approaches,” she wrote, sharing the news on Instagram.

The Henderson themselves were effected by the hurricane earlier this month. The Lighthouse Church’s -where Keion is the pastor- roof had reportedly come off among other damages and the building was forced to be shut down indefinitely. While they work on it, Church services remain open. The Pastor iterates the people really needed the help, through church or through supplies.

Fortunate are the Texan parents this summer, for the burden is being recognized and Shaq is another helping take it off.

Shaquille O’Neal Foundation takes a huge step

Shaquille O’Neal led a similar drive a month ago, for the kids in Dallas. In a collaborative work with JCPenney, he offered 20 kids from the Boys and Girls Club a $500 gift card. Kids had one hour to shop for their school supplies, get a haircut, and buy clothes and shoes.

The Los Angeles Lakers icon also partnered with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office and Academy Sports for a week-long summer camp for middle school and high school athletes. “The most important thing we can teach our youth is to value their worth,” Shaq had written on Instagram. But Shaq isn’t just stopping there. Just last month, another noble cause of O’Neal came to light, which will help even more people.

As per the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation received a donation of land. Clark County donated 4.81 acres of land in the northwest region of Las Vegas. This will be used to build new Boys & Girls Club. The project estimated at $16 million will focus on providing youth “academic and personal development resources.” Shaq is ensuring to keep a check with the Foundation reportedly ordered to present annual reports on programs.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.