St. Pius X shows pride on Dick's Sporting Goods Friday Flyover
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A group of high school students are honoring veterans this holiday by helping raise supplies for those who they say have been forgotten.
"I just wanted to find a way to kind of show some gratitude," said Nina Martinez, 15. "It's really personal because having veterans in my own family, if that were to happen it would be really heartbreaking."
VIDEO: Patriotic Panthers kick off Friday Flyover
Martinez says she's found her calling to help homeless veterans. She started an organization at her private school, St. Pius X, and with the help of her coach, she was able to kick start the initiative.
"I thought it was a great idea. I was just kind of surprised that we did not already have something like that," said coach Charlie Johnson.
VIDEO: St. Pius X student launches organization to help veterans
SKYEYE VIDEO: St. Pius X shows off its second formation
Together, they formed the organization they call Students Serving Soldiers. Little did they know, they would get a lot of support from the student body, staff and community.
Martinez showed us a closet that had some of the supplies the group has collected so far. There's an array of toiletries, socks, cloths, shoes, blankets and backpacks.
"It was really great to see that all of these people out of the kindness of their heart really wanted to get back to the community," said Martinez.
VIDEO: St. Pius X students show off their third formation
Darryl Harper with Volunteers of America and the Houston Homeless Veteran's Reintegration Program said he will now partner up with the students to take their efforts to the next level.
"On a personal note I'm totally overwhelmed. I'm a Vietnam veteran, Marine. When we came home there wasn't much but , you know," said Harper. "An initiative like this from some high school students is just totally fantastic."
SKYEYE VIDEO: Panthers are making us proud with this American tribute
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