Backpacks Score with Students!

If you receive the Southwest Village News, you probably saw the photo of our members from the Backpack Loading day. Below read the letter of appreciation from David Lopez, VP, Social Responsibility, YMCA of Greater Houston.

“The school bell has rung and the children of Houston are back to school! …We have had an incredible success with our “YMCA Operation Backpack”! As you know, the need in Houston is great with more than 25% of children 17 and under living below the poverty line and school supplies costing parents close to $200 per child.

Through all your effort, support and commitment, we surpassed our goal this year and served 101,592 youth in the Houston area throughout 36 area school districts. You have helped distribute over 25,000 backpacks with 684,000 school supplies! Our program has become one of the largest back to school drives in Texas. This year, 33 YMCA centers participated with 220 drop off locations including YMCAs, HEBs, First Choice ERs and our local community partners. Our collective plan is to continue to grow this program and find ways to improve our reach to the children and families in our communities.

Again, THANK YOU for all you did to make this a success! I applaud you.”