MHS Student Coordinates Donation Drive for Harrison's Heroes

Harrison’s Heroes, founded in 2016, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that benefits the welfare of children enduring extended hospital stays. In memory of the late Harrison Kothari, Harrison’s Heroes is prominent in all of the local extended-stay hospitals, including Texas Children’s, Children’s Memorial Hermann, Shriners and MD Anderson. Offering several programs, hosting parties, and providing crafts, activity, and goodie bags, Harrison’s Heroes aims to provide comforting aspects of home in order to bring a sense of normalcy back into each child’s life. 

Rodrigo Yturralde began volunteering with Harrison’s Heroes in May of 2020-- right after the initial COVID-19 lockdown. What started as a few hours helping a friend pack boxes for a magic show, held virtually for the children at Texas Children’s Hospital, quickly turned into a deep love for helping this specific aspect of the community. Since his first time volunteering, Yturralde has helped out in various ways-- from packing hundreds of goodie bags to creating innovative marketing campaigns on social media, he plays a key role in this non-profit organization. 

His most recent endeavor? Leading the first ever donation drive at Carter’s Pet market, collecting food and toy donations for the four therapy dogs at Texas Children’s Hospital. These therapy dogs play an important role in a child’s recovery process and bring comfort and joy to a drab hospital room. These therapy dogs are as important as ever because themed parties and craft/activity days are not allowed due to Covid.

The donation drive will be taking place at Carter’s Pet Market now through January 1st, 2022. The pet store will be accepting in-store donations of dog treats, toys, food, and sweaters. Customers can also make a donation directly to Harrison’s Heroes or Pawsitive Play, the pet therapy program at Texas Children’s Hospital. 

“It’s just unexplainable, Harrison’s Heroes is just so important to me,” Yturralde said. “It helps me ground myself, and makes me realize how lucky I am to be healthy. I’m just so grateful to be a part of this.”