The YES Prep Northside Middle School educator says one of the most rewarding parts of her job is building confidence in students who often walk into class believing math is too hard.
"I just love connecting with our students and letting them know they are able to do anything that they want," Burts said. "And that math is not hard because a lot of them think that it's hard and that they can't do it, but they can."
To help her students succeed, Burts often reaches into her own pocket to buy classroom supplies and small rewards.
"I have to use my own money a lot to celebrate the kids, to get them the things they need for math, because sometimes if they don't have it, they are not able to learn the material or get that deeper understanding that we need," she said.
The Houston Food Bank's School Supply Program also helps bridge that gap by providing classrooms with essential supplies, easing the financial burden on teachers while ensuring students have the tools they need to succeed.
Support counselor LaTasha Brown says the program delivers many of the everyday items students rely on throughout the school year.
"Some of the items we receive are school supply kits, like composition books, paper, glue... the necessities of what students need," Brown said.
Burts added, "I'm really grateful for the program because it allows our students to get the resources they need, and it shows them that we care and we are able to help them."
ABC13 Loves Teachers
Join us for the ABC13 Loves Teachers School Supply Drive happening Friday, July 31, 2026. Now in its third year, the event benefits the Houston Food Bank's School Programs, with all money raised and supplies collected staying local and going toward area teachers.
There are two easy ways for the community to join our efforts right now. You can text ABC13Teachers to 71777. Or you can make a donation online.
Then join us on July 31 for our all-day community drive, where you can stop by any of the sites below to drop off new school supply donations.
Houston
- Houston Food Bank
- 535 Portwall St., Houston, TX 77029
- Drop-off hours: 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Houston/Montrose area
- The Ismaili Center
- 2323 Allen Parkway, Houston, TX 77019
- Drop-off hours: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Galveston
- Galveston ISD Support Center
- 3904 Avenue T, Galveston, TX 77550
- Drop-off hours: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Richmond/Rosenberg
- VFW Hall - Post 3903
- 1903 1st St., Rosenberg, TX 77471
- Drop-off hours: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sugar Land
- Ismaili Jamatkhana - Sugar Land
- 1700 First Colony Boulevard, Sugar Land, TX 77479
- Hours: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
How does the Houston Food Bank help teachers and families specifically?
This year, school supplies from the Teachers Aid program (now part of Backpack Buddy) are being delivered directly to campuses enrolled in Houston Food Bank's Backpack Buddy program all year long.
For Teachers: If you are at a participating Backpack Buddy school, your campus leadership will coordinate supply distribution directly on site; no applications or travel required.
For Families: While the Houston Food Bank does not distribute school supplies directly to individuals or families, their goal is to lift the financial burden on households in other ways. If your family needs assistance with food or seasonal resources, please visit houstonfoodbank.org/findhelp or call the helpline at 832-369-9390 to connect with a nearby partner pantry.