Kirstyn’s Krew

Kirstyn’s Krew was born, a nonprofit fundraiser that offers foster kids a chance to have a shopping spree of their own. The money Kirstyn’s Krew raised in 2015 was enough to fulfill the wish lists of 52 Houston-area children.

Kirstyn’s grandmother organizes the fundraisers and contacts agencies in the area, such as Child Advocates, Child Protective Services and DePelchin Children’s Center, to advise them of the efforts of the organization. Philpot said she will let the groups know before December how many children Kirstyn’s Krew will be able to take on the 2016 spree, depending on how much money is raised.

“This year we’re going to work with Arrow Ministries on FM 2920, and we’ll invite them depending on how many kids we can accommodate, and work again with CPS, Child Advocates and DePelchin,” Philpot said.

In 2016, the goal is to take 100 kids to Target or another local store, she said.

Kirstyn said her science teacher at Schindewolf Intermediate School has been pitching in with the Kirstyn’s Krew efforts.

“All of the students have been donating,” she said.

Philpot said a future goal for Kirstyn’s Krew is to eventually add homeless children to the list.

Kirstyn said last year the kids chose practical items to buy, such as shoes and clothes, and some picked out food items. She is hoping more kids choose toys and “good stuff” this year.

When asked how long she would like to continue Kirstyn’s Krew, her answer is a source of chagrin for her grandmother.

“Until I’m very old—until I’m like 50,” she said.

Kirstyn said she knows what would still be on her wish list this year if someone offered to take her on a shopping spree: “More drawing stuff.”