'Kingwood Strong' mom delivers cash to flooded teachers

KINGWOOD, Texas (FOX 26) - A Kingwood mom is delivering cash to teachers affected by Hurricane Harvey after raising thousands for flooded teachers through her "Kingwood Strong" movement.

"I commend every teacher--whether you're flooded or not," said Ann Marie Sayegh, creator of Kingwood Strong. "The devastation that Kingwood has been through is a lot."

Sayegh and her kids are stopping by schools through their community with envelops of cash.

"We have been selling 'Kingwood Strong' shirts, and we have been giving all of the money to the teachers," said Anthony Sayegh, Sayegh's son.

Sayegh's idea to make and sell simple shirt reading "Kingwood Strong" led to about $12,000 in proceeds for teachers.

"To give something so that maybe they can go out to dinner or buy a pair of shoes or whatever they might need or buy something for their family," said Sayegh.

What started as an effort to help 12 Kingwood High School teachers grew and spread to more schools like Woodland Hills Elementary where Sayegh and her son greeted the assistant principal today.

"We have five campus staff members who've been impacted by the floods in either losing their homes or having great damage to their homes, so we greatly appreciate everything you've done for our campus," said Melissa Christansen, assistant principal at Woodland Hills Elementary.

After learning of more teachers in need, Sayegh decided to email principals throughout Kingwood, asking if there were any teachers in need after the hurricane. She says those principals got back to her. At Greentree Elementary there were four teachers in need. At Deerwood there were six. At Shadow Forest there were nine teachers in need. The list went on.

"I get a little emotional, because it was supposed to be for the 12 teachers of Kingwood High School," said Sayegh. "Twelve teachers are now 74."

Sayegh sold shirts through Facebook, word of mouth, and at Kingwood Garden Center and Kroger.

She has a few shirts left. She says anyone wanting to buy a "Kingwood Strong" shirt can call her at 281-541-6331.