Buckner Family Hope Centers® Serve Over 6,700 Children Through Statewide Back-to-School Distributions

Children and families across the state received school supplies, backpacks, shoes, and other essential services to start the new year with confidence. 

DALLAS (Aug. 14, 2026) – Over the last several weeks, Buckner Family Hope Centers® across Texas helped more than 6,800 children prepare for the new school year by distributing backpacks, school supplies, new shoes and other back-to-school essentials. At some distributions, free services like haircuts, health checkups, and immunizations were also provided. These resources help ease the financial burden of back-to-school costs for families.

“Every student deserves to start the school year feeling confident and prepared,” said Monica Salinas, Senior Director of Buckner Family Hope Centers and Family Support Services. “As costs continue to rise, the gift of a backpack, clothes, or school supplies is a huge relief for families. Distributions like these help ensure they have the resources they need.” 

According to the 2026 Deloitte Back-to-School Survey, back to school spending has continued to rise. Spending will reach an estimated $30 billion; with the average American family expected spend more than $550 per child on back-to-school costs, creating financial stress for many families.

Distributions were hosted by Buckner Family Hope Centers in Longview (over 2,000 served), San Antonio (over 300 served), Houston (over 1,800 served), the Rio Grande Valley (over 900 served), Dallas (over 1,400 served), and Midland (over 340 served), collectively helping more than 6,700 children prepare for the new school year.

“Promoting education is an integral part of Buckner’s mission in the community, as education protects children and strengthens families,” continued Salinas. 

These events connected attendees with community collaborators, including local nonprofits, businesses, sports organizations, health providers, and churches who offered resources and services designed to support children and families throughout the school year.

Back-to school efforts also included participation in The Junior League of Lufkin’s annual Back-to-School Bonanza, where over 1,500 Lufkin residents were served, and the Camp Buckner School Supply Drive in Burnet, where 394 backpacks filled with school supplies were collected in the month of July and donated to Burnet ISD and Llano ISD in the Texas Hill Country to be distributed among their students.

Additionally, a back-to-school shoe distribution is scheduled for Aug. 28 at the Buckner Family Hope Center in Lubbock, where over 1,000 shoes are expected to be donated. All shoes were provided by Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls®.

Families that attended the distributions were also able to learn more about available Buckner programs and services designed to protect children, strengthen families, and transform generations.

  

About the Buckner Family Hope Center®: 

The Buckner Family Hope Center® seeks to keep families together by providing them with critical services, aid and coaching to keep them strong and decrease the likelihood of abuse, neglect and removal of children. An integral service of nonprofit Buckner International, Family Hope Centers are child-centered, family-focused places where families go to find hope, support and empowerment in their community to reach their fullest God-given potential. The key to each Family Hope Center’s success is found in combining effective programs and passionate people to help families that are experiencing poverty, family issues and a lack of services.

Visit Buckner.org/Family-Hope-Centers to learn more or get involved at the Buckner Family Hope Center. 

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