Update:
We learned of another school supplies event scheduled for Saturday morning. It is for families who live in the Como area of Fort worth only (zip code 76107) and geared to students in prekindergarten through college.
Preregistration is over for the Back to School Care & Share School Supply Give-Away. But there will be a limited number of extra school supply backpacks that will be given away on a first come, first served basis, said Chairwoman Joyce Bowens-Thomas.
Requirements: Open to Como residents or those who attend a Como church; provide proof of residency such as a driver's license or utility bill; bring school age children who are pre-kindergarten through 8th grade (students in ninth grade through college don't have to come with a parent/guardian but should bring their school identification).
The event is 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, August 18, Como Montessori School, 4001 Littlepage St., Fort Worth.
This is the fourth year for the event, sponsored by Como Community Churches and Partners. Organizers expect to give away 500 to 700 backpacks of supplies.
Original post:
A year ago, Olga Naranjo launched a Fort Worth-based non-profit to help the community, called Hispano Exito, or Hispanic Success.
About 500 students were served at the group's first Back to School Fiesta to prepare for the school year. This year, at the group's second annual event, Naranjo said she expects to serve 10,000 children from across the Metroplex.
Free backpacks and school supplies will be given on a first come, first served basis. To qualify, the child must be eligible for Medicaid or CHIP. If not eligible for those programs, the family income must be below poverty level (bring tax return to prove that). Parents must provide a photo identification (does not have to be government issued) and the child must be present to get the supplies.
And there will be about 70 vendors there to provide information on adult education, English as a Second Language, higher education, immigration and immunizations. Folks can also sign up for a Fort Worth Library card, their free school lunch card and Fort Worth school district's Parent Portal.
The event is in collaboration with the Fort Worth school district and Fellowship of the Parks church in Keller. Fort Worth schools superintendent Walter Dansby is to give opening remarks and Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price will address the crowd later in the morning.
The event is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 18 at the Wilkerson Greines Activity Center, 5201 C.A. Roberson Boulevard, Fort Worth.
Jessamy Brown