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Bianca's Buddies bring toys and joy to children who need bit of hope.

Community Spotlight: Bianca Chapa of Bianca's Buddies

At age 12 — an age when many kids are engrossed in TikTok dances, extracurriculars, and video games as they navigate the angsty throes of puberty — Bianca Chapa decided the best birthday gift would be a gift to others.

Thus, Bianca's Buddies, a volunteer-driven organization that provides toys, support (and tons of smiles) for hospitalized children who are fighting serious illnesses, got its start.

Bianca's heart for service is evident in her involvement: from student council to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes to the Kailee Mills Foundation to the Klein Collins Cancer Club, the now 16-year-old has an infectious energy that invests in bettering her community and touching the lives of those who need a helping hand. Bianca's Buddies works primarily with Texas Children's Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House, where Bianca has volunteered since she was 6.

"As a parent, all you can hope for is for your kids to be better than you; to take the experiences and faith and values you've given them and see what they create with it," says Bianca's mom, Allyson, herself a cancer survivor. "She's so young and so selfless and very determined. When she starts something, she finishes it. (Bianca's Buddies) is only going to get bigger and better.

"As crazy as this world is, it's amazing that she is such a light of inspiration."

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Q: What inspired you to start Bianca's Buddies?

A: (In November 2019) , my mom and I were on the way home from dinner. She was asking me what I wanted to do for my 13th birthday party ... randomly we passed the Texas Children's Hospital The Woodlands and it was all lit up (in Christmas lights) and it hit me: I didn't want a party for myself, I wanted to do a toy drive!

The first year, we partnered with (Houston-based nonprofit) Lily's Toy Box and I told my friends that instead of birthday gifts I wanted them to buy gifts for children or donate money to buy toys. I was so stressed that they might think it was weird or no one would be able support it but I was amazed at how my friends and their parents came out and supported me. I definitely wouldn't have the success I've had without them.

Q: What's your favorite thing about Bianca's Buddies?

A: The people who support me the most. When I went into it I was a little nervous about my friends supporting me. When I saw how many people thought it was so cool then they came out and supported and it was a big lift. Everyone has a choice and they chose yes. ...It really helped me believe in myself.

Q: Why do you think toy drives can be so impactful?

A: They're called toy drives, but you can donate so much more. All those toys mean so much to the kids and it's a lifetime experience for kids when their parents can't do as much for them. It really impacts their lives. It just makes people feel better, and they're usually so surprised. Their faces just light up.

Parents even appreciate it more than the kids do. We hear a lot of "we can't thank you enough." Little things like that really make me smile.

Q: Who has inspired you most in life? Who are your aspirational role models?
A: 100 percent my mom. It's always my mom and I and it will always be my mom and I. She's my best friend. She's always there to help out
and offer me advice and support. Or sometimes just listen. Also, my grandparents. I'm super close to my family so I couldn't be more thankful for them.

Q: What's next for Bianca's Buddies?

A: This is our fifth year, so it's go big or go home! We'll continue to focus on Texas Children's for Christmas. We will be doing more with Ronald McDonald House, especially our Easter baskets and gifts. We always need volunteers to wrap toys. We're also partnering with the Salvation Army Angel Tree this year.

Q: What's next for Bianca?

A: I'm only a junior in high school, but I'm planning to attend Sam Houston or Texas State because they have a major for philanthropy and nonprofits. That will give me the tools to continue to grow Bianca's Buddies and expand its mission. I don't plan on stopping.

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In today's edition, reporter Sam Gonzalez Kelly spotlights a pair of photographers capturing Latino culture in north Houston; entrerprise reporter pens a powerful personal essay on coping with depression and the example set by Harris County leader Lina Hidalgo; and Ryan Nickerson shares the story of an 88-year-old whose shoe-shining craft is built on decades of meticulous resilience.

Welcome back to HouWeAre.

Jaundréa Clay, HouWeAre editor

HouWeAre@houstonchronicle.com

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