Manos Prepared 2,221 Children for a New School Year at Back-to-School!
At Back-to-School, Manos makes sure that children are not only physically prepared for another school year, but mentally confident to go back to school and interact with their teachers and classmates. Each child received individual attention and assistance, giving them a shopping experience that many rarely have. Our volunteers created a positive and welcoming environment, entertaining children with music and games while they waited for their turn to shop.
Our goal was to help 2,000 children, but as the program went on, we saw that there were many more in line for services this year. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we were able to go beyond our goal and meet this need, helping a total of 2,221 children prepare for a successful school year.
Pictures from the event are on Flickr, and the press release is below. The Back-to-School program was also covered by the Statesman and News 8 Austin.
Press Release: Back-to-School at Manos de Cristo is Serving Record Numbers of Children
In second week, on way to helping 2,000 Austin kids
8/10/09, AUSTIN – Manos de Cristo has partnered with several organizations in the community to serve more children than ever through its annual Back-to-School program. This year’s program is into its second week and has served a record number for the organization of over 200 children in one day.
“During this tough economic climate, Manos has set its goal to serve 2,000 Austin elementary school children,” Manos de Cristo Executive Director Julie Ballesteros said. “This is a significant increase over the number served in 2008 because there is a greater need in the community this year.”
Families and children have lined up as early as 1 a.m. to receive two new sets of clothing, socks and underwear, a new backpack donated by Freescale, and school supplies. As families come in the door, children are ushered to an entertainment area where they sing and dance while waiting for a personal shopper to help them pick out their new Back to School clothing.
Manos will help so many children thanks to the many ways the community has stood behind the nonprofit. The Travis County Commissioners Court and presiding Judge Biscoe donated the use of a large Travis county facility, and the Ridgetop Neighborhood Association and AIA Design Voice were instrumental in working with Manos to make Back-to-School successful at this new expanded location.
By the end of the two weeks, an estimated more than 400 people will volunteer with the program, ensuring that each child that walks in the door receives individual attention. Local Presbyterian Churches continued their support of Manos, and new organizations like National Instruments came on board with school supply drives, providing many of the supplies these 2,000 children will need to start their school year.
Major funders for the program include an anonymous donor, Freescale Semiconductor, Wells Fargo, the DuBuose Family Foundation at the request of Colonial Savings, Ronald McDonald House Charities, LCRA Employees United Charities, and the Veritas Foundation.
For over 20 years, Manos de Cristo has been serving Central Texas through its dental clinic, basic needs services, and education programs to enable Central Texans to be productive citizens within their community. For more information about programs and services, visit the website at www.manosdecristo.org.
The final week of Back to School will run in the mornings of August 10th – 14th, beginning at 8:00 a.m. at 5335 Airport Blvd.
