(Seguin) — With the first day of school just around the corner, Communities In Schools of South Central Texas is calling on residents in Seguin, Schertz and Cibolo to help fill backpacks.
The nonprofit’s annual Pack the Bus school supply drive will be held Saturday, Aug. 1, at H-E-B stores in Seguin, Schertz and Cibolo, as well as locations in New Braunfels and Bulverde.
The drive benefits students throughout the region, including those attending schools in Seguin, Schertz-Cibolo and other surrounding districts served by Communities In Schools of South Central Texas. Donations collected will be distributed throughout the school year as student needs arise.
Organizers say the annual campaign provides thousands of students with essential school supplies, hygiene products and other necessities that help remove barriers to learning. Organizers say as enrollment continues to grow across South Central Texas, the need for community support has also increased.
Among the most-needed donations are wide-ruled composition books, plastic folders with brads and pockets, clear backpacks, reusable water bottles, earbuds or headphones, dry-erase markers, colored pencils, pencil bags, scissors, undergarments, individually packaged snacks and hygiene items such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, feminine hygiene products and lice treatment kits.
“As our communities continue to grow, so does the number of students who rely on Pack the Bus,” said Susan Wetz, CEO of Communities In Schools of South Central Texas. “When you donate school supplies or make a financial gift, you’re providing much more than notebooks and pencils. You’re giving students confidence, reducing stress for families…”
In addition to donating supplies at H-E-B on Aug. 1, community members can also make financial contributions or drop off school supplies at collection sites including several locations in Guadalupe County.
Local collection sites include First United Bank branches in Seguin, Schertz and Garden Ridge, Old Republic Title in Seguin, Prosperity Bank in Seguin, Schertz Bank branches in Seguin and Schertz, and the Seguin and Schertz public libraries.
Another way to give is through H-E-B’s register donation campaign. From July 29 through Aug. 25, customers shopping in-store or online at H-E-B locations across Texas can donate any amount at checkout, with proceeds benefiting Communities In Schools programs serving K-12 students in nearby school districts.
For more information about Pack the Bus or to make a financial contribution, visit the Communities In Schools of South Central Texas website.