DeAndre Jordan was already making a name for himself in the NBA when Hurricane Harvey hit Texas in 2017. But the storm brought trouble to his hometown of Houston, and he wanted to help people dealing with its impact. The popular NBA center came up with a simple idea. He would use his rebounding skills to raise money for hurricane relief.Jordan’s efforts did not end with the fundraising campaign. He also donated 400 pairs of shoes to students at a Houston elementary school. During his visit, he noticed that the school library needed more books and resources. That observation led to a reading club in 2018. Through these efforts, Jordan found different ways to support children in the city where he grew up.
DeAndre Jordan used his NBA rebounds to support Hurricane Harvey relief
Hurricane Harvey hit Texas in August 2017 and caused severe flooding across the Houston area. Many families faced damage to their homes and lost everyday belongings. The recovery would take time, and local communities needed help.For Jordan, the disaster affected a place he knew well. He grew up in Houston before attending Texas A&M University. The Clippers selected him with the 35th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, and he went on to build a long career in the league.By 2017, Jordan had become known for his rebounding and defensive work. He had also earned his first NBA All-Star selection earlier that year. He decided to connect that part of his game with a fundraising effort for people affected by the hurricane.Through his Rebounds to Rebuild campaign, Jordan pledged to donate $100 for every rebound he collected during the 2017-18 NBA season. He also set a minimum commitment of $100,000 for Harvey relief.The idea gave his work on the basketball court a purpose beyond the game. Every rebound could help raise money for families dealing with the aftermath of the storm.Jordan’s Treehouse Giving Foundation reports that the campaign raised more than $100,000 for hurricane relief. The figure reflects the amount raised through the initiative, rather than a claim that Jordan personally donated exactly that sum.The campaign was one way for Jordan to support Houston from a distance while continuing his NBA season. But he also wanted to help children directly.That brought him to Thompson Elementary School in Houston. He visited the school with his mother, Kim, in 2017. The visit led to a donation that students could use in their everyday lives.
DeAndre Jordan donated 400 pairs of shoes to Houston students
Jordan visited Thompson Elementary School after Hurricane Harvey and donated 400 pairs of shoes to students through Shoes That Fit, a programme that provides footwear to children in need.For families recovering from a natural disaster, replacing everyday items can be difficult. Children still need shoes for school, and parents may have to manage these expenses while dealing with damage to their homes.The donation gave students something practical they could use. It also gave them a chance to meet an NBA player who had grown up in their city.One student shared their reaction to receiving the shoes. “My new shoes make me feel amazing in a happy way. It’s a great feeling!” the student said, according to Jordan’s foundation.Another student, Jamari Ferrias, also spoke about the visit. “The visit meant so much more than a new pair of shoes,” Ferrias said. He explained that meeting Jordan made him feel as though the world had come to him and that he could be famous too.The comments show how much the visit meant to the students. Jordan had come to their school to help, but he also gave them the chance to meet someone they knew from basketball.During the visit, Jordan and his mother noticed another need. The school library lacked books and resources, and they wanted to help students get better access to reading material.The discovery led to another project at Thompson Elementary School. This time, the focus was on encouraging children to read.
His school visit inspired a reading club in 2018
Jordan’s visit to Thompson Elementary helped inspire Ms. Kim’s Timeout for Reading Book Club, which launched in March 2018. His mother, Kim, played an important role in the initiative, which aimed to encourage students to read more often.The programme supported improvements to the school’s library and gave students a way to track their reading. It also offered incentives for children who completed books during the year.The idea was straightforward. Students needed access to books, but they also needed encouragement to keep reading. The club aimed to make reading a regular part of their school experience.Tanya Edwards, the school’s principal, spoke about the programme in a statement published by Jordan’s foundation.“The Timeout to Read event has Thompson’s students excited about reading!” Edwards said. She explained that students were reading the books provided through the initiative and recording their reading time.The programme gave Jordan’s visit another purpose. The shoe donation helped provide an everyday essential, while the reading club focused on books and learning. Both efforts grew out of his connection with the school and its students.The foundation documents the club’s launch and the school’s early response. However, there is no verified information in these records confirming that the programme still operates today. Its lasting impact should not be overstated.Jordan’s work in Houston was also part of a wider effort to support children and families. His Treehouse Giving Foundation organised DJ’s 6 Days of Giving in 2017. The programme included a shopping trip for 100 children, a donation of 600 colouring books and teddy bears to patients at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and an outing for six Houston families affected by Hurricane Harvey to attend a Clippers game.These activities supported children in different ways. Some provided useful items, while others gave families an opportunity to enjoy an experience during a difficult period.Jordan’s efforts after Hurricane Harvey brought together fundraising and direct community support. He pledged money for relief, donated shoes to students and helped inspire a school reading club.His NBA career gave him a platform, but his connection to Houston gave these efforts a personal side. The city was where he grew up, and helping its children allowed him to give something back.Jordan could not undo the damage caused by Hurricane Harvey. But his fundraising campaign and work with Thompson Elementary provided practical support for people affected by the storm. His efforts also showed how an athlete can use his success to help children and families away from the basketball court.