KENS 5 volunteers and their Communities In Schools mentees helped sort thousands of Angel Tree donations that will reach more than 6,000 children across San Antonio.
SAN ANTONIO — Thousands of donated Christmas gifts are being sorted this week at the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree headquarters. On Tuesday, KENS 5 team members were among the volunteers helping to make holiday magic happen.
KENS 5 employees spent the morning working alongside their student mentees from John Jay High School, part of a decade-long partnership with Communities In Schools (CIS). The organization provides one-on-one mentorship throughout all four years of high school.
“The partnership between KENS 5 and CIS is really about mentorship,” said Jessica Weaver, CEO of Communities In Schools. “CIS and KENS 5 coming and doing community service (by) helping the Salvation Army get amazing gifts to kids all across the community.”
Volunteers helped sort bikes, toys, clothes and shoes—all part of the Angel Tree program that will deliver gifts to more than 6,000 children across the San Antonio area.
Alicia Neaves, KENS 5 journalist and CIS mentor, said the program has built strong connections between mentors and students. Standing beside her student mentee, Lisset, she highlighted the value of those relationships.
“This is such a wonderful group because it helps foster mentorships,” Neaves said.
Lisset agreed. “I joined my freshman year and I’m loving it. I talk to her like she’s my best friend, and she helps me.”
Throughout the school year, KENS 5 volunteers meet monthly with their assigned students. Brayden, a John Jay student, said the continuity is meaningful.
“We get mentors that work at KENS 5, and we build a relationship with them,” he said. “They lead us through our four years of high school.”
Another student, Rayanna, said her mentorship has helped clarify her goals.
“It’s been honestly amazing,” she said. “I have a great mentor, Megan, and it’s right on the horizon of what I want to be when I get older.”
KENS 5 President and General Manager Tom Cury said supporting CIS has been a natural fit for the station.
“Supporting Communities In Schools is one of the easiest decisions I’ve made during my time here,” Cury said. “I didn’t need to ask for volunteers—our team members wanted to support the kids.”
CIS offers mentorship opportunities across the region, Weaver said.
“Contact us and we can find a way for you to get together,” she said. “We are in 130 schools across (the area), so we always find ways to connect with students.”
For more information on Communities In Schools and how to get involved, visit their website.