Back to School Bash Supplies Children with Essentials for the Classroom

Nearly 1500 students pre-registered to receive supplies, backpacks, uniforms, and other back to school essentials at Galveston ISD’s Back to School Bash. On August 18, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., a steady stream of families wound their way through the Scott Building picking up much needed toiletries, underwear and socks, canned food, and even diapers and feminine products, in addition to the thousands of school supplies donated by community members and local organizations.

“It is so heartwarming to see the community come together and donate to our children who are heading back to school next week,” says Back to School Bash Organizer Dr. Vivian Hernandez, who coordinates the district’s Family and Community Engagement (F.A.C.E.) Program. “The generosity kept pouring in and we were able to serve every family that came in today. No child should have to show up at school without the essential tools needed to succeed and here in Galveston ISD we make sure that doesn't happen.”

Also available to families was free immunizations, physicals, and COVID-19 vaccines provided by Teen Health Center, Inc. in addition to vision screenings provided by Galveston Lions Club. College of the Mainland offered free enrollment for adult GED and ESL courses and Galveston College provided volunteers to help distribute items at the event. 

“Thank you to all of our volunteers and donors and especially to Texas ACE Program Coordinator Jesica Medellin and Volunteer Jennifer Kelso with Oleander Marketing who helped lead coordination efforts for the massive event,” adds Hernandez. “And thank you to Angela Blair and the Moody Foundation for donating nearly 1000 backpacks full of supplies and thank you to all of the other donors and partners as well.” 

Some of the generous donors and contributors to the successful event include Galveston Kiwanis Club, Trinity Episcopal School, Galveston Lions Club, Xi Tau Omicron, Zero/Six Consulting, Catholic Charities, Galveston College, St. Vincent's House, Communities in Schools, College of the Mainland, Holiday Inn, Fields-Johnson Family Mortuary, Optimist Club, Holy Family Parish, Texas ACE, Oleander Marketing, Moody Foundation, Krewe Babalu, Galveston County Food Bank, LULAC, Little Red Box Grocery, and Dr. Abel & Mary Longoria at Hospitality ER.