Austin nonprofit Manos de Cristo is set to help thousands of Central Texas children, Pre-K through 5th grades, with their annual Back-to-School program July 18-22. The program prepares low-income students for the school year by providing each child with two sets of new clothing, socks, underwear and a brand new backpack filled with school supplies.
WHEN: July 18-22, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Friday (while supplies last).
WHERE: Allan Elementary School, 4900 Gonzales St., Austin, TX 78702 (Bus options: #4-Montopolis or #350-Airport Blvd.)
WHAT: Families in need begin lining up as early as 3 a.m. for the first come, first served, back to school clothing and supplies. Community volunteers will help move 400 children each day through the program.
The average costs for must-have supplies for elementary students totals nearly $650 and is beyond the reach of thousands of low-income, working poor families in our area. For approximately 20 years, the Manos de Cristo Back-to-School program has made a positive impact on children and families in need.
“Getting a child ready for school often becomes a financial burden on families who struggle just to make ends meet,” says Julie Ballesteros, executive director of Manos de Cristo. “Manos de Cristo wants to ensure that all children are eager and excited to return to school.”
Back-to-School takes place with the help of nearly 500 volunteers. Anyone wishing to support the Back-to-School Program, by underwriting the cost of a child’s clothing and supplies, can visit www.manosdecristo.org.
