Angel Reese Leads a Wave of Unique Donations to Rebuild Texas Schools After 2025 Floods

In July 2025, the heart of Texas was tested by one of the most catastrophic floods in its history. Torrential downpours overwhelmed rivers and reservoirs, submerging neighborhoods, destroying infrastructure, and leaving more than 100 lives lost—including 27 girls at a summer camp near the Pedernales River. As the waters receded, the scale of devastation became clear: schools in ruins, libraries washed away, and children left without the places and tools they needed to learn, heal, and play.

A Different Kind of Help

While corporations and celebrities rushed to provide much-needed cash and supplies, one sports star saw an opportunity to help in a different way. Angel Reese, the WNBA powerhouse known for her resilience and leadership on the court, stepped up to champion a new kind of recovery for Texas’s youngest survivors.

Instead of simply writing a check, Reese launched the “Play, Read, Rise” initiative—a campaign to collect and deliver thousands of pieces of sports equipment, books, and learning technology to the hardest-hit schools and community centers across Central Texas.

“After every storm, kids need hope. They need something to look forward to, something that reminds them of who they are and what they can become,” Reese said in a heartfelt video message. “Let’s rebuild not just their schools, but their dreams.”

Rallying the Sports World

Reese’s call to action quickly caught fire. Within days, athletes from the WNBA, NBA, and NCAA pledged their support, donating everything from basketballs and soccer nets to laptops and STEM kits. Nike and Under Armour sent truckloads of new uniforms and shoes. Book publishers, inspired by Reese’s vision, donated thousands of children’s books, from picture books for kindergarteners to novels for teens.

Reese herself traveled to Austin, Kerrville, and San Antonio, personally delivering supplies and meeting with students and teachers. At a makeshift gym in a flood-damaged elementary school, she led a basketball clinic for over 200 children, handing out signed balls and encouraging kids to “keep playing, keep believing.”

Technology for a New Start

Recognizing that many schools had lost their entire computer labs, Reese partnered with tech companies to provide tablets, Chromebooks, and Wi-Fi hotspots. Volunteers set up pop-up learning centers in churches and community halls, ensuring that displaced students could continue their studies and stay connected while their schools were rebuilt.

For many families, these gifts meant more than just material support. “When my son got a new soccer ball and a backpack full of books, he smiled for the first time since the flood,” said Maribel Gonzalez, a mother in rural Kerr County. “Angel Reese gave our children hope.”

Community Spirit, Amplified

Reese’s initiative inspired a wave of grassroots support. Local sports leagues organized equipment drives. Bookstores in Dallas and Houston offered discounts for customers donating to the cause. High school athletes volunteered as coaches and mentors for younger kids who’d lost their teams and fields.

“We’re not just fixing buildings—we’re rebuilding confidence and community,” said Reese at a press conference in Austin. “Every child deserves a shot at a bright future, no matter what disaster they’ve faced.”

Beyond the Headlines

While headlines focused on the scale of destruction and the millions in damages, the real story was unfolding in gyms, classrooms, and playgrounds—spaces where children rediscovered joy and belonging, thanks to the generosity of strangers and the leadership of a sports star who understood the power of play.

School principal Dr. Lisa Nguyen summed it up: “Our students lost everything. But with every book, every ball, every tablet, they’re reminded that the world hasn’t forgotten them. Angel Reese didn’t just send help—she brought hope.”

Looking Forward

Recovery in Texas will take years. But with each unique donation, each act of kindness, the state is moving forward—stronger, more united, and determined to give its children every opportunity to heal and thrive.

As Angel Reese told a group of students before leaving one school, “No storm can wash away your dreams. We’re with you, every step of the way.”