In Houston, Texas, tens of thousands of backpacks filled with school supplies were distributed to children at various drives on Saturday.
At the Houston Children’s Charity drive, 3,500 backpacks were given away. Since 2005, the organization has provided 46,000 backpacks to low-income children.
“It really helps me because we don’t have the money for school supplies right now,” said Margaret Derozan, a mother of five.
LeAnn Kaczynski, from Houston Children’s Charity, noted, “It’s one less expense for families. With the rising cost of groceries, people are struggling to afford basic necessities.”
At the Mayor’s Back to School Fest at the George R. Brown Convention Center, 25,000 backpacks were handed out.
“I’m excited to get my new supplies and show them off,” said Mason Muhammed, a third-grader.
Volunteer Kesha Tucker emphasized the importance of providing children with the necessary tools for education, especially for parents who can’t afford them.
“Some kids don’t have the opportunity to get backpacks or any supplies,” added volunteer Clarissa Dean.
Additionally, at an event hosted by the Harris County Clerk’s Office, parents could obtain copies of their children’s birth certificates in time for school. The $23 fee was waived for the first 100 parents.
“$23 might not seem like much to some, but for a family of four or five needing vital records, it can add up quickly,” said Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth.
