YMCA Kicks-off Area’s Biggest Back-to-School Drive
More than 35,000 students benefit in 31 school districts across Texas   

            The 6th Annual YMCA Operation Backpack, Houston area's largest school supply drive, is helping more than 40,000 Houston area children start the school year off right.  Students in Friendswood ISD are part of this program.
            The YMCA of Greater Houston is mobilizing 38 YMCAs, local churches and other community partners to help collect thousands of backpacks and school supplies for children who might otherwise head back to school unprepared.
            New backpacks were delivered to Friendswood ISD by Vic Coppinger Family YMCA representative Roxie Patton.
            “What a wonderful contribution this is for children whose families could use the extra help at this time,” Superintendent Trish Hanks said. “We thank our community partner, the Coppinger YMCA.”
            Last year, YMCA Operation Backpack collected more than 18,356 backpacks and about 167,742 school supplies, thanks to generous Houston area donors.  All of the items helped prepare 35,130 children for their first day of school.  This year’s goal is to touch the lives of 40,000 children.
            "Many of us remember going to the store with our parents and picking out a brand new backpack and supplies for the school year,” said Jamie Clark, YMCA Chaplain.  “With the current state of the economy, many parents just don’t have the money to buy the supplies their kids need to start the school year.  That can be disheartening to the parent, but it can also be disheartening to the child.  The YMCA wants to help those families help their kids have a successful year."
            All collected backpacks and school supplies were distributed to children in need within the 31 participating school districts.