Our Story – The Power of One to Impact the Lives of Many 

Aledo Children’s AdvoCats was born when one idea inspired a group of individuals to act. In 2002, a small group of local women banded together to form an all-female volunteer-run organization to support unmet student needs within the Aledo ISD community.  At the time, East Parker County did not have a place for families to go for help with medical and dental needs, food, clothing, school supplies, or basic living expenses.  These 21 women became founding members and started the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization called Aledo Children’s AdvoCats.  The mission of the organization was to raise charitable funds to help improve the lives of children and their families in the Aledo area.  

After two decades, this mission continues to be carried out thanks to the support of Aledo ISD, our generous donors and event sponsors, and the volunteer efforts of our members – the AdvoCats Ambassadors.  An estimated 12.6% (or 1 in every 8 students) of Aledo ISD’s population is economically disadvantaged.  Through a collaborative effort between AISD school counselors and Aledo Children’s AdvoCats, students’ needs are identified and met on a daily basis.  20 years later, AdvoCats has raised over one million dollars and has assisted thousands of children and families. Our members have volunteered countless hours serving the community.  

Aledo Children’s AdvoCats Outreach Programs 

Aledo Children’s AdvoCats has three main community outreach programs. Each one works directly with Aledo ISD school counselors to identify and assist qualified students/families.

Children’s Fund

Children’s Fund is Aledo Children’s AdvoCats main outreach service. The Children’s Fund evaluates each student’s needs on an individual basis, and all information is confidential. Children’s Fund helps with medical, dental, and vision expenses, counseling, career and technical education courses, living expenses, expenses for graduating seniors, school supplies, and crisis intervention.

Clothes Closet

The Clothes Closet is a clothing resource for qualified Aledo ISD families, where they are able to shop and receive clothing free of charge.  It is also open to the public as a resale store, with all proceeds going back to support the mission of Aledo Children’s AdvoCats.   

Angel Project

Angel Project organizes Christmas gifts for qualified Aledo area students and siblings residing in the same home.  The children’s wish lists are assigned to community volunteer shoppers. AdvoCats then collects the gifts and distributes them to the families. In 2022, 574 children had gifts under the Christmas tree from the AdvoCats Angel Project and each of the 208 families served received a grocery gift card for the holidays.  

Additional Service to the Community 

AdvoCats has extended their help over the years with projects such as Bearcat Park, Hancock House of Hope, Parker County Teen Court, Shattered Dreams, Adams Family House, and college/trade school scholarships for high school seniors. 

Get Involved

Aledo Children’s AdvoCats helps children and families in the Aledo area through funds given by generous donors and sponsors, as well as through the efforts of Aledo ISD counselors, AdvoCats Ambassadors, AdvoCats Fellows, and other community volunteers. We have two major fundraising events each year: the Help & Hope Luncheon and the Run, Walk or Crawl 1K & 5K Race. 

Please get involved with Aledo Children’s AdvoCats by becoming a valued donor, sponsor, AdvoCats Ambassador or Fellow, or by attending one of our events.  

Like Aledo Children’s AdvoCats on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to follow our progress.

Please press the play icon to watch a brief video to learn more about Aledo Children’s AdvoCats and the work we do together in our community!