Houston Strong: Ways to Shop Small and Give Back

Houston Strong: Ways to Shop Small and Give Back

AFTER AN ALREADY tough year, small businesses in Texas are banding together to give back to the community following last week's disastrous winter storm. Here's a rundown of some of the feel-good gear and great goods you can score, all while benefiting recovery efforts!


Fifty percent of proceeds from the sales of Em Gems Creations' Texas Strong bracelets will go to Kids Meals Houston. Each bracelet is $20, which means every sale funds five meals.

Now through Feb. 28, 100 percent of proceeds from limited-edition pressed-flower prints from Designs by Andrea will go to winter-storm recovery efforts.

Texas-based illustrator Emily Griffin designed a t-shirt — size-inclusive, and in five colors! — with all proceeds going straight to the Houston Food Bank.

While not a Texas-based biz, Alabama's Lolly Crayons has created red, white and blue Texas-shaped crayons for $3 each, with all proceeds benefiting Kids Meals.

Here's another tee, designed by Yami Mufdi and released via her Levavi athleisure brand. Sales benefit four organizations across the state: Feed the People, Para Mi Gente, Austin Mutual Aid and Mutual Aid Houston.

Dallas-based gift shop Sprinkled with Pink launched a new Texas-themed collection, and all proceeds go to Genesis Women's Shelter, providing shelter and resources for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. Genesis was forced to close its doors last week for the first time in its 35-year history.

La Vie en Rose floral boutique will be donating 10 percent of all proceeds to Kids Meals through March 5.

People + Places
Timeless Appeal at The Village: Sophisticated Retirement Living

THE STANDARD BEARER FOR LUXURY

We built The Village communities to exemplify sophisticated retirement living in Houston, surrounded by the heritage neighborhood of River Oaks, Tanglewood and Southampton. Each offers impeccable designer finishes and Aspenwood service detail with dining and resortstyle amenities making them premier locations for discerning Houstonians and their families. Impressive, spacious residential floor plans, generous natural light, and expansive terraces allow a new level of indoor-outdoor living. Beautiful spaces are designed for entertaining, fitness, and relaxation with a dedicated team to provide a secure lock and leave lifestyle for our members.

Keep Reading Show less

Ally Shell and Martijn van Koolwijk

BLAME IT ON the Moon! Mercury Chamber Orchestra’s 2025 gala at the Thompson hotel — themed “Moonlight Serenade and chaired by Ally Shell and Martijn Van Koolwijk — was a night of glamour and big band vibes, raising more than $350,000 for the company.

Keep Reading Show less
Art+Culture

Glenda and Russell Gordy and Alicia and Garrett Gordy (photo by Wilson Parish)

EVEN AS RODEO season winds down, the party people at the Stage Houston theater company were still donning boots and shouting yahoo — and taking in a record haul of $1.4 million!

Keep Reading Show less