As summer winds down and families prepare for the back-to-school rush, more than 1,100 elementary students across the Houston area will be heading into the new school year a little more prepared and with one less thing for families to worry about, thanks to a local effort that’s filling backpacks and helping ease the transition.
Employees from eight Big Star and Texan dealerships part of the Ken Garff Automotive Group, which serves communities across the Greater Houston area, are giving away free school supplies as part of the company’s “We’re ‘Hear’ for You” program, an employee-led initiative focused on community outreach and hands-on service.
Recommended Videos
READ: School supplies for 2025-2026 school year projected to be more expensive
The cost of school supplies continues to climb, averaging around $570 per student, according to a back-to-school retail survey by Deloitte. For many families, that figure adds up quickly, especially when multiplied across several children.
“As families gear up for a new school year, we recognize the added financial stress of purchasing school supplies,” said Allen Paul, regional vice president of Ken Garff Automotive Group. “Our goal is to lighten that load.”
Each donated backpack will be fully packed with classroom essentials — from #2 pencils and notebooks to glue sticks — all hand-assembled by dealership employees, organizers said.
“(It’s about) allowing students to focus on learning and (helping) parents breathe a little easier,” Paul said.
The supplies will be distributed at three community events this summer:
Friday, July 25
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | YES Prep, 507 Crenshaw Rd., Houston 500 students will receive supplies
Friday, August 1
4 – 7 p.m. | Ignite Community School, 6651 Hawes Rd., Humble 250 students will receive supplies
Saturday, August 9
8 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Baytown Community Center, 2407 Market St., Baytown 400 students will receive supplies
