Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas – With hurricane season well underway, the Office of Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez is proud to announce, “Through the Storm with Sunny – Helping Little Hearts Weather Big Emotions,” an engaging and educational children’s program designed to help young minds process the stress and emotions brought on by severe weather events. The program, in partnership with Hidalgo County Office of Emergency Management and Tropical Texas Behavioral Health, kicks off June 28 at 11:00 AM at the McAllen Public Library and will tour various city libraries across Hidalgo County throughout the summer.
Led by a lovable puppet named Sunny, this interactive show takes children on a playful and thoughtful journey through story time, guided conversations, and hands-on activities. “Through the Storm with Sunny” is designed to build emotional awareness, foster family connections, and provide simple tools to stay calm during emergencies. Each child will leave with a no-cook snack they create themselves and a free take-home booklet filled with tips, coloring pages, and activities. Additionally, parents will be provided with various tips and resources to deescalate emotions in their children that can be experienced during severe weather.
“Our children deserve resources to help them feel safe and understood during the challenges that storms and emergencies bring, ” said Cortez. “This program reflects our commitment to the well-being of every member of our community, especially our youngest.”
The City of McAllen, hosting the inaugural event, has been a crucial partner in launching this effort. “We are honored that McAllen Public Library will host the launch of Through the Storm with Sunny, a thoughtful initiative that focuses on helping our youngest residents cope with the stress and anxiety caused by major storms and disasters,” said McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. “By supporting their mental health and resilience, we help our children and families feel safer and more prepared. I commend Hidalgo County for bringing this important program to our community.”
| DETAILS |
| What: “Through the Storm with Sunny” Puppet Show |
| When: Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 11 a.m. |
| Where: McAllen Public Library, 4001 N 23rd St, McAllen, TX 78504 |
Information source: Hidalgo County and The City of McAllen
