Local Organizations Ready to Prep Students for Back To School

San Angelo, Texas - Summer vacation is ending, and for S.A.I.S.D. students, the first day of school is right around the corner--Monday, August 22, to be exact. For many families, the endless lists of school supplies can be expensive, especially when they have more than one child. All children deserve not only to look, but feel their best, and being prepared for their first day is as a recent television commercial said: it's their "red carpet moment."

In an effort to provide for area students, three local organizations have banded together, and this Sunday, August 21, they are having their first "RRock the Block Event."

Lauren White, President of The Minority Alliance Council of San Angelo said, "This year, we are collaborating with San Angelo Ruff Ryders (Motorcycle Club) and the S.A.P.D. D.R.E.A.M. team. Our school supply giveaway will be held at the Northside Boys & Girls Club at 1802 N. Lillie Street." The event will take place from noon until 4 p.m.

For those who are in need of school supplies and are unable to attend, White said, "They can feel free to contact me anytime, and we will be glad to help out."

White added, "Some of the events we do have been those that empower women, assist shelters, work in conjunction with Conexion for Posada, hosted a Juneteenth celebration, and even had a huge festival celebrating Dia de Los Muertos last year."

Theirs is a mission of providing support and sustainability to multicultural organizations and community service and outreach throughout the Concho Valley.

"Although we haven't been in existence for that long, the stories we've heard, and thanks we've received, assure us our works are much needed and appreciated." 

She said, "Drug Education Resistance and Mentoring replaced the D.A.R.E. program about seven years ago. We start the program at the 5th grade level in the public schools and for 6th grade in the private schools."

In years past, they have had their own drive and Morris said, "With ours, every child receives a free pack of new white socks and a haircut for school. Many times people take these things for granted, but to some children, it means so much that someone cared to provide for them."

For this event, free haircuts will be provided by 'Southside Cutz;' socks and hygienic items will also be provided.  

White added, "You'd be surprised at just how many kids don't have these basic necessities."

As for the Ruff Ryders, members have also held annual back to school supply giveaways, on their own, for close to a decade. Many people don't realize members spent countless hours talking with sponsors, collecting donations, shopping for and organizing supplies, and so much more. Theirs is a close knit, family oriented group, always looking for ways to give back to the community as well--especially when the objective is to benefit children.  

The event is free for students, and for people interested in making last minute donations, they are always greatly appreciated.

Oftentimes, it has been said, "It takes a village to raise a child." Thankfully, due to the kindness of these organizations, many children will be well equipped to start school and continue their journey of learning.

For more information on the Minority Alliance Council of San Angelo, please contact Lauren White at [email protected] or (325) 812-5216.