Supporting Our Community: J&R Gymnastics’ Annual Holiday Food Drive

Table of Contents

Introduction


November is a time for gratitude, family, and giving back, and this year, J&R Gymnastics proudly continued its tradition of supporting the New Braunfels Food Bank through our annual Holiday Food Drive. With the help of our students, parents, and staff, we collected an impressive 393 lbs. of food—breaking last year’s record of 327 lbs.

This accomplishment is more than just numbers. It’s about the lessons learned, the community spirit fostered, and the lives impacted by a simple act of kindness. Together, we showed how teamwork and compassion can make a meaningful difference for our neighbors in need.

Giving Back During the Holiday Season

Winning smiles from five teenaged gymnasts at the top of their sport. They are pressing up off the uneven bars and making eye contact with the viewer.


The holidays can be a challenging time for many families in our community. Food insecurity affects countless households, making organizations like the New Braunfels Food Bank essential resources during this season of giving.

At J&R Gymnastics, we believe in more than just building strong bodies—we aim to build strong character in our students as well. Our Holiday Food Drive is one way we teach the importance of generosity, empathy, and community involvement. This year, we were thrilled to partner with the New Braunfels Food Bank to ensure that every donation would help put meals on tables for those who need it most. Learn more about the food bank and their incredible work on their website: New Braunfels Food Bank.

A Record-Breaking Year


Thanks to the incredible generosity of our J&R families, we collected 393 lbs. of food this year, surpassing our previous record of 327 lbs. The energy and enthusiasm from our students were contagious as they rallied their families and friends to contribute.

Each can, box, and bag of food brought in was a step closer to helping families in need have a brighter holiday season. It was inspiring to see our community come together to achieve something so impactful.

Lessons in Compassion and Community


While the food drive made a tangible impact on the New Braunfels Food Bank, it also left a lasting impression on our students. Through their participation, students learned important life lessons about the value of helping others.
Understanding Need: Students were introduced to the reality of food insecurity and how it affects people in their own community.
Empathy in Action: By taking part in the food drive, they experienced firsthand the joy of giving and the difference even small contributions can make.
Teamwork and Goal Setting: Working together to surpass last year’s total fostered a sense of accomplishment and pride.

At J&R Gymnastics, we believe these lessons are as important as the skills they learn on the mats or in the dance studio.

A Special Thank You to Our Community


We couldn’t have achieved this success without the unwavering support of our J&R families and the dedication of our staff. Your efforts remind us that when we come together, we can create positive change.
The New Braunfels Food Bank expressed their gratitude for our contributions, noting how vital these donations are to their operations during the holiday season. Their work ensures that families in need receive the help they deserve. To learn more about how you can support them, visit their website: New Braunfels Food Bank.

How You Can Continue to Help

While the food drive may be over, the need for donations continues year-round. If you’d like to support the New Braunfels Food Bank, here are some ways to help:

Donate Food: Non-perishable items such as canned goods, pasta, and rice are always in demand.
Volunteer: Many food banks need help sorting and distributing donations.
Spread Awareness: Encourage friends and family to contribute to local drives or make monetary donations.
Every effort, big or small, makes a difference.

Looking Ahead to Next Year

As we celebrate the success of this year’s food drive, we’re already looking forward to raising the bar again next year. Together, we can continue to teach valuable lessons to our students while making an even greater impact in our community.

Conclusion

The J&R Gymnastics Holiday Food Drive is a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together. By collecting 393 lbs. of food, we not only supported families in need but also taught our students the importance of giving back.

The success of this year’s drive wouldn’t have been possible without the partnership of the New Braunfels Food Bank and the generosity of our J&R families. As we head into the holiday season, let’s carry forward the spirit of compassion and gratitude that made this effort such a success.

Visit the New Braunfels Food Bank to learn more about their mission and find ways to continue helping our neighbors in need. Thank you to everyone who participated—you’ve made a real difference in the lives of others.

We can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together next year!