Stand with Kevin: A Teacher's Resilience

My name is Kevin Pooler, and I am a dedicated public school teacher at Sam Houston High in the Houston Independent School District (HISD). For years, I've poured my heart and soul into shaping young minds, especially those of underprivileged children who face immense challenges every day. Teaching isn't just a job for me; it's a calling—a mission to uplift and empower the next generation.

But life has dealt me a series of heartbreaking blows, leading me here to ask for your help. I'm reaching out to you today because I need your help to rebuild what's been torn apart.

I’ve been getting by but the past year has been rough on me. First God called home one of his angels - my beautiful grandmother who helped raise and made me into the man I am today. I won’t try to pretend that it didn’t hurt because it still hurts, she and I were extremely close. We used to speak every single day, even if just for a few moments so she could check in on me, and that leaves a huge hole in my heart. Not a day goes by where I don’t think about her, and I still get the urge to call and just hear her voice.

She was my rock, my guiding light. Losing her was like losing my compass. Her wisdom, her warmth—it's all etched in my heart forever. We grew up in the country, so she never wanted much, just the love of her family which we tried to shower upon her as best we could.

Next, my dog of 11 years Nala died on me. She was my faithful companion, and though she was getting up there in age I had hopes we still had more time left together. When she passed away, a part of me went with her.

The final blow happened two weeks ago, just one month before my wedding, my beloved truck was stolen. What’s worse is the thieves targeted me at the school I teach at - they brazenly came in and took it off the teacher’s lot while I was teaching class. The school has it on video of them simply driving away in my truck

It wasn't only a mode of transportation; it was my lifeline—a faithful companion that carried me to school, to community events, and to the homes of my students. Losing it felt like losing a piece of my own identity.

As a teacher, I don't earn a fortune. Every dollar I make goes toward making my classroom a better place for my students. Now, without my truck, I struggle to commute, to run errands, and to be there for my students when they need me most.

**How You Can Make a Difference**

I'm not one to ask for help, but desperation has led me here. I need your support to overcome these hardships:

**Recovering My Stolen Truck:**

   With your generous contributions, I hope to replace my stolen truck. It's not just about having wheels; it's about restoring my independence and my ability to serve my students effectively. I don’t need anything fancy - like my grandmother I grew up in the country and just need something to get me from home to school -  but every little bit helps.

**Join Me in Rebuilding**

Every dollar counts. Whether it's the price of a cup of coffee or the cost of a textbook, your contribution matters. Let's come together as a community and lift each other up.

**Donate Now** and be a part of Kevin’s story—a story of resilience, compassion, and hope.

Thank you for standing by me during this dark chapter. Your kindness means more than words can express.

With gratitude,

Kevin Pooler

_Public School Teacher | HISD_