Operation Backpack supports local students
By Katherine Adams
In partnership with Vic Coppinger Family YMCA in Pearland, University of Houston-Clear Lake Pearland organized the 18th annual Operation Backpack event last week.
The YMCA collected 84 backpacks from both UH-Clear Lake’s main and Pearland campuses. With additional support from the Pearland community, over 600 backpacks were collected to donate directly to students in Pearland Independent School District just ahead of the first day of school.
With assistance from UH-Clear Lake’s Office of Student Involvement and Leadership, bins were also stationed around the UHCL main campus to collect backpack items for students.
High school student volunteers from around Pearland ISD helped fill the backpacks with assorted school supplies donated by HEB. The backpacks also included 700 pencil pouches donated by UHCL Pearland.
“As the only institution of higher education in Pearland, we felt the need to participate in a back-to-school initiative that would allow us to give back to our community, and make an impact on families in need,” said UHCL Pearland Program Coordinator Corina Morales. “Starting the school year well prepared is necessary for all students, from pre-K to college.”