Sondra Hernandez Staff writer January 16, 2025

Willis-area brothers Rylan Sears and Dylan Kyle-Sears started 2025 by expanding their mission to make a difference in the community.

Two years ago, Dylan, 22, and Rylan, 16, launched the Helping Hand Stand on the property where their other project, Rylan’s Farm, is located northeast of Willis.

Through the stand, community members donate items including clothing, nonperishable food, toys, blankets, household items and furniture. Those in need can stop by and pick up items for free. 

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The history

Rylan built the original structure that had a wood floor and frame, blue tarp walls and a metal roof. The brothers were inspired to give back to the community because they would hope someone would do the same for them if they were in need. 

In December, their project was featured in Houston-area media including the Houston Chronicle and Fox 26. They began to receive more donations and needed a larger space for the stand. 

That need was answered Tuesday when Toughstock Buildings in the Livingston area delivered a new 10-by-20 building to the Helping Hand Stand property. 

“It gives us more space for people to donate and it’s weather proof, so people can feel more comfortable donating certain things,” Dylan said. The building adds a new level of security and weather resistance to their project. 

Their mom, Rhonda, said the expansion was a necessary step after more people learned about the stand through media coverage. 

“People were lining up to donate and people in need were sitting outside to eight or nine o’clock at night,” she said. People have come from as far away as Trinity, Tomball, Livingston and other cities to participate in the project, she said. “It got to the point where we had to expand it.” 

An expanded stand

Toughstock Buildings gave the brothers a discount on the building and others in the community have donated to make it a reality. Rylan’s Farm will pay for the first month of the building note. 

They have also launched a GoFundMe page where people can donate money to support paying off the building. The building cost $6,500. 

Supporters can also donate through the Rylan’s Farm website. 

For a donation of $20 or more, the stand will have some paint available for patrons to put a hand print on the wall inside of the stand. It’s currently plain board. 

“We wanted to show how many hands it took to make this stand possible,” Rylan said. The paint will arrive to start the project Saturday. 

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‘Not expecting this’ 

Rhonda said she finds the love in her sons’ hearts to be indescribable. 

“I know when they first started it I was not expecting this,” she said. “To see the people really needing it and to see the Facebook and social media comments, it makes me beyond proud of them. They don’t make a dime doing this. They’re doing this out of love and kindness and it makes my heart happy to know that they’re doing this.” 

The expanded stand was already in use as of Wednesday morning with people dropping off and picking up items. 

Most people know about the stand from its active Facebook page. Dylan also has an Instagram page where he posts what’s going on with the farm and stand.

The stand is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily at 14577 Trero Lane, northeast of Willis. 

“If you’re in need feel free to come by. There is no price tags and no judgment. It’s just there if you need it,” Dylan said. 

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