Sesame Workshop, the New York-based non-profit educational organization behind Sesame Street, brought its Hugs for Houston tour to this community and Assistance League of the Bay Area played host on Thursday, November 2 and Friday, November 3.

Thousands of children were greeted by the lovable Elmo and Cookie Monster as they visited four campuses that were representative of the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey to their homes and schools. Elementary schools included McWhirter and Wedgewood (Clear Creek ISD), Bay Colony (Dickinson ISD) and La Porte (La Porte ISD).

In addition, two of our favorite Sesame Street characters stopped by the Kohl’s in League City to greet both children and adults.  Kohl’s, in partnership with Assistance League of the Bay Area, provides necessary school clothing through Operation School Bell^®, the chapter’s largest philanthropic program. The location in League City serves students in Dickinson ISD and Mosbacher Odyssey Academy with locations in League City, Seabrook, and Galveston island.

Another stop on the Hugs for Houston tour was the award-winning Resale Shop, located at 100 E. Nasa Parkway in Webster to welcome customers and chapter volunteers.

Sesame Workshop’s mission is to help kids grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.Celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2016, they recently launched a new initiative designed to help children cope with traumatic experiences. The initiative is a major new addition to Sesame Street in Communities, a program to help community service providers, parents, and caregivers give children, a strong and healthy start.

Hugs for Houston not only offered comfort to those who had experienced the ravages of Hurricane Harvey, but more importantly, hope.