Hometown Heroes: Laura Thompson


By Joan Frances –

Laura Thompson.

Community involvement is a necessity in today’s world. With so many people in need of positive reinforcement at many levels, volunteering is one of the most generous acts of kindness an individual can give. Our Hometown Hero, Laura Thompson, devotes her time to her community, and her commitment is fortified through her family’s participation.

Thompson grew up in Ponchatoula, Louisiana and moved to Houston in 1990. She met her husband, Rob, in 1994, and they later married and moved to Fort Bend County. They have two children, two dogs and currently live in Riverstone.

Volunteering is an important way of life for Thompson and her family. “I started volunteering soon after we moved in 1999.  Rob and I worked with Fort Bend Habitat for Humanity through our church to help build houses in the community.  I ramped up my knowledge of Fort Bend non-profits when I joined the Fort Bend Junior Service League; however, volunteerism has been a part of my life since I was young. I believe in the importance of being involved in the community and helping others. My husband and I also believe it is important to lead by example and have always involved our children in volunteering with us so that they develop servants’ hearts with a desire to help others less fortunate.”

Thompson was on the Board of Directors of Fort Bend Junior Service League for five years, serving as League President in 2012-2013.  She is a member of Friends Council for Child Advocates of Fort Bend, where she is currently the Special Needs Coordinator.  Thompson and her children help with the annual backpack drive by buying supplies for two children they sponsor and then participating in the stuffing of 150+ backpacks to be delivered to children in August.

Laura, Max, Chloe and Rob Thompson participating as part of the Rod ‘The Storyteller’ White’s FIT-tastic fundraising team in The Giving Thanks 5K and 1K Kids’ Fun Run benefiting Bel Inizio. All proceeds from this race support Bel Inizio – helping women living in transitional housing improve their self-esteem and life skills through exercise and nutrition education.

Thompson is also a charter and current member of the After-Hours Exchange Club of Greater Fort Bend County, of which her husband was the charter president. She and her daughter are members of the National Charity League (NCL)  – Sugar Land Jewels Chapter. “You’ll find me alongside my daughter and other NCL mother/daughters volunteering for Keep Sugar Land Beautiful, Gigi’s Playhouse, Fort Bend Meals on Wheels and other organizations.”

Thompson is also a former board member of Fort Bend Habitat for Humanity and Parks Youth Ranch. She was on the Grant Committee for Fort Bend Cares for two years and sits on her son’s Boy Scout Troop’s parent committee.

Thompson’s devotion is admirable. She loves serving the community. “It is heartwarming to know that I have helped make someone else’s situation better and brought a smile to a sad face.  I also enjoy seeing the compassion my children have developed though volunteering.  I am proud when I see them touched during a volunteer experience and wanting to help ‘make it better’. Early on when my husband and I helped to build a Habitat for Humanity house in the Richmond area, we got to know the future homeowner and his son while they were doing their ‘sweat equity’ helping to build their home.  I still see that gentlemen in a local store where he works. We catch up on how much our kids have grown and how the house is doing, etc.  I feel so happy that I was able to be a small part of his life and to help make such a difference for him and for his family.”

Thank you Laura Thompson for your tireless devotion and generosity. Fort Bend County is fortunate to have you and your family help make this community the best place to live and grow.