Heading back to school can evoke a range of emotions for students and parents alike. While it brings eagerness and excitement to see children grow, mature and learn more about the world, it can also spark worry, anxiety and stress for parents as they financially prepare to enter the new academic year.
 
Buckner Children and Family Services recognizes these mixed feelings and works to alleviate some of the burdens families face when preparing for the beginning of a new school year.
 
Through events across Texas, Buckner programs provide vulnerable children and families with essential supplies like backpacks, school materials and shoes. The events also help families access essential community resources they may require in the coming year. 
 
Buckner hosted back-to-school events in Dallas, Houston, Longview, Lubbock, Lufkin, Midland and the Rio Grande Valley. Families across Texas celebrated with activities, food and community.

Supporting vulnerable families in Rio Grande Valley communities with resources and fun

For example, the Buckner Family Hope Center® at Rio Grande Valley in Mission hosted a rodeo-themed backpack distribution that drew over 800 community members. Attendees not only received backpacks and school supplies but had the opportunity to participate in a night full of fun, free of charge.
 
Buckner volunteers and staff also came together to pray over the upcoming school year and the students who will be attending school in their region. 
 
“The back-to-school events hosted by Buckner provide valuable resources for families in the Valley,” shared Criselda Cuevas, Buckner Rio Grande Valley executive director. 
 
“Many families in the area depend on Buckner for these distributions in order to prepare their children for the upcoming school year. Donna, La Feria and San Benito rank among the top 10 poorest cities in Texas,” she continued. “Nothing warms our hearts more than to see all the smiles on the children’s faces when they receive their new backpack and school supplies.”
 
These back-to-school events are made possible by selfless Buckner volunteers and generous donors, who ensure vulnerable children start the school year equipped with the tools they need to succeed. Each backpack, lunch box and pair of shoes were provided by an individual or organization who is dedicated to shining hope to vulnerable families in these communities.

Community friends unite to serve East Texas families

The School Supply Train in Longview unites the community to benefit thousands of vulnerable children and families, including those served by the Family Hope Center programs in the area. Children who attend receive backpacks, school supplies, haircuts and dental and vision screenings. This year, the event served more than 2,000 individuals from the area.

 
Shelly Smith, Buckner East Texas executive director, says her region’s back-to-school events are not only a benefit to the recipients, but also bless the community and church partners who collaborate to host the event.
 
“The School Supply Train is an opportunity for churches and organizations to come together to relieve some of the heavy financial burdens of back to school for families,” Smith shared. 
 
“Costs of supplies, backpacks and shoes have risen over the last few years, and this allows them to spend the money saved on food, clothing and other items that are crucial for their families,” she said. “Being the hands and feet of Jesus is who we are.”
 
By alleviating the financial and emotional burdens of the back-to-school season, Buckner is empowering families and helping to break the cycle of poverty through educational opportunity.
 
This school year, join Buckner in prayer for children and families to be blessed, protected and experience God’s provision and peace.

See how you can impact vulnerable families in your community today.