Record-Breaking Amount of School Supplies Donated to Austin Kids

City employees donate record-breaking amount of school supplies to AISD students

It’s back to school time for Austin kids! While families in Circle C, Steiner Ranch, and other Austin neighborhoods are busy preparing for school to start on August 22, city employees are doing their part to make sure all Austin children are prepared to begin the new year.

During its Sixth Annual Build a Backpack and School Supplies Drive, City of Austin employees donated the largest amount of school supplies in the program’s history, nearly doubling the amount given to needy Austin school district students last year. Hundreds of pounds of supplies in addition to 538 backpacks full of needed items are ready for the 2011-2012 academic year.

“This drive is of special significance because recently Austin Independent School District has faced tough budget decisions that could affect classroom resources,” City Manager Marc Ott said. “This is our opportunity to lend a helping hand to local students.”

The donations will go to 13 elementary, five middle and four high schools as well as the Travis County Gardner Betts Juvenile Justice Center that serves AISD students. All schools receive 90 percent or greater free or reduced lunches for their students in need. The school supplies drive is also a way for the City of Austin to kick off the City Mentor and Tutor Program which brings City of Austin employees into AISD classrooms to volunteer with various educational programs and mentor students.

Since the 2005 City employees have donated more than 2,600 backpacks to students of the Austin Independent School District.

As a father of two, Austin luxury home Realtor Brian Talley understands the importance of giving kids the tools they need for a successful school year. Find Austin Homes for Sale By School on his Regent Property Group website.

Photo copyright City of Austin