James Harden's Impact13 Foundation and Houston Random Acts of Kindness (HRAK) are once again teaming up to make a difference in the lives of Houston's youth. This time, they’re launching a new “RAK Room” at Francis Scott Key Middle School, just in time to kick off the 7th Annual JH-Town Weekend on August 22, 2024!

The RAK Room, a brainchild of HRAK Founders David and Treveia Dennis, is much more than a simple school store—it's a game-changer. Designed to reward students for positive behavior, academic success, regular attendance, community service, and support for anti-bullying initiatives, the RAK Room offers students a chance to earn points that they can redeem for everything from electronics and clothing to hygiene products and daily essentials. It’s a win-win: students are motivated to excel, and they also learn valuable financial literacy skills in the process.

But that’s not all. This initiative is about addressing food insecurity as well. In a groundbreaking partnership with Brothers Produce, the Impact13 Foundation will be rolling out a branded truck packed with fresh groceries, starting right here in Houston’s 5th Ward. Francis Scott Key Middle School will be the first to benefit, but this mobile grocery delivery program is set to spread its impact citywide, bringing healthy food options to communities that need them most.

  Each year, Harden’s four-day JH-Town Weekend works to empower Houston's underserved communities through a series of impactful events and initiatives Photo: Courtesy of Impact13 Foundation

"We're thrilled to be part of this incredible collaboration," said NBA All-Star James Harden. "By partnering with RAK Rooms and Brothers Produce, we're not just making an impact—we're multiplying it. Our goal is to create lasting, positive change in Houston, and with these new initiatives, we're doing just that."

The RAK Room at Francis Scott Key Middle School is the latest in a series of successful RAK Room launches, following the first at Paul Revere Middle School in 2022. Each room, powered by local community partnerships, provides students with the resources they need to thrive, both academically and personally. This year’s launch, however, promises to be even more impactful with the addition of the Impact13 Closet, which will offer students clothing and other essential items, further ensuring that they have everything they need to succeed.

Treveia Dennis, Co-Founder of Houston Random Acts of Kindness Day, Inc., expressed her gratitude, saying, "We’re so thankful to James Harden and Impact13 for their unwavering support. This initiative is about more than just meeting basic needs—it’s about inspiring students to strive for greatness."

David Dennis, also a Co-Founder of HRAK, added, "With the support of Impact13 Closet and Brothers Produce, this new RAK Room is set to make an even greater impact on the lives of students and their families."

The RAK Room launch will be the centerpiece of the JH-Town Weekend, with a private Grand Opening event on August 22, 2024, from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM at Francis Scott Key Middle School. As Houston gears up for another unforgettable JH-Town Weekend, the community can take pride in knowing that these initiatives are making a tangible difference in the lives of the city’s youth. This isn’t just about giving back; it’s about building a stronger, more resilient Houston for generations to come.