Nearly 17,000 backpacks filled with school supplies were prepared in Tarrant County for students in need nationwide, as part of a collaborative effort by The Salvation Army, Toyota, Toyota Lexus Minority Owners Dealership Association, and Walmart.
The initiative, aimed at supporting families ahead of the back-to-school season, took place at a Fort Worth distribution center.
Approximately 100 volunteers packed backpacks with essentials, including crayons, binders, notebooks, and $10 gift ca
rds, to support the students. The backpacks will be sent to 66 Toyota and Lexus dealerships nationwide for distribution to preregistered families and local schools.
“There are over 16 million kids who start each school year without the necessary supplies,” said Commissioner Merle Heatwole, national commander of The Salvation Army, per Fort Worth Report. “This is just one of the ways … we can really make a difference in the lives of children and families across the country.”
Heatwole expressed hope that the recipients would feel supported and understand that “there are people who care about them and want them to succeed.”
Volunteers emphasized the importance of the effort.
“Stepping up means a lot and goes a long way,” said Dontrell Saucier, a professional sales consultant at Toyota of Rockwall, according to FWR. “Being able to help people is bigger than yourself. That’s what I care about most.”