Austin nonprofit agency 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 3:00 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. Fortunately, Manos is here to lend a helping hand. For approximately 20 years, the Back- to-School program has made a positive impact on children and families in need.

Children living with the stress of poverty often worry about going back to school. One mother, who brought her children last year says, “I am a mother of seven children, and I only work when these children are in school, so coming here is a big help to me.”

Julie Ballesteros, Executive Director of Manos de Cristo, shared her passion about this year’s program, “As most children get excited about returning to school, there are always children who dread it because they do not feel prepared. Getting a child ready for school often becomes a financial burden on families who struggle just to make ends meet. Manos de Cristo wants to ensure that all children are eager and excited to return to school.”

Back-to-School takes place over five days, July 18-22, with the help of nearly 500 volunteers, at Allan Elementary School, 4900 Gonzales St. The program is sponsored in part by the Maximus Foundation. The cost for the agency to provide this service increases each year and we cannot continue the program without support from the community. 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.

About Manos de Cristo: Founded 28 years ago, Manos meets the essential needs of the working poor by providing adults and children with a low-cost dental care, educational opportunities, and emergency food and clothing through its full service Dental Center, Education Program, annual Back-to-School program, and Basic Needs Food Pantry and Clothes Closet.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: Jessica Knopp, Development Director Phone: (512) 628-4201, Cell: (949)903-8393 Email: jknopp@manosdecristo.org

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Damita Miller-Shanklin, Ujima