Local Kids Facing Housing Instability Need Your School Supplies Saturday

When most of us think about back-to-school shopping here in Texas, we think about crowded aisles, supply lists, and trying to find the cheapest pack of notebooks. But for some kids here in Abilene, the worry isn't whether they have the right colored folder; it's whether they'll have a backpack at all...or even a stable place to sleep.

That's why AISD's upcoming School Supply Drive means so much. Donations will support students served through the district's McKinney-Vento Program, helping children experiencing homelessness or housing instability start the school year with the supplies they need, and a little extra confidence.

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Help Fill Backpacks at the AISD School Supply Drive

Photo: Darrin Cox/AISD

On Saturday, July 25, AISD will be collecting school supplies from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the South Side Walmart. Donations benefit the district's McKinney-Vento Program, which helps students and families experiencing housing instability.

The wish list is simple: backpacks, notebooks, pencils, folders, crayons, glue sticks, binders and other classroom essentials. If you're already making a Walmart run, tossing a few extra supplies into your cart can make a huge difference for a local kid.

Family Fun Meets Back-to-School Preparation

Photo: Darrin Cox/AISD

The giving doesn't stop there. On Saturday, August 8, AISD will host its 5th Annual Back to School Resource Fair & Family Fun Day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Taylor County Expo Center.

Families can enjoy bounce houses, face painting, snow cones, prizes and connect with organizations that offer valuable community resources. Plus, backpacks filled with school supplies will be handed out while supplies last, so getting there early is a smart move.

Abilene Always Shows Up

One thing I've always loved about this town is that when kids need help, Abilene answers the call.

Whether it's donating school supplies now or helping us with our Coats for Kids drive this fall, our community has a habit of taking care of its own. Let's do it again and help every student walk into that classroom with the confidence they deserve.

Be sure to check out my full interview with Darrin Cox below for all the details on how you can help.