We are thrilled to announce that because of the incredible generosity of donors like you who supported Upbring’s 2024 Back-to-School Drive, over 200 children in Foster In Texas (FIT) are starting the 2024-2025 school year equipped with the essential supplies they need to succeed. These supplies will not only aid their studies but serve as a powerful reminder that they are valued and cared for.
Children in foster care often lack what many of us consider the basics—like school supplies. A backpack, notebook or crayons can make all the difference. These items not only help them succeed but also build self-esteem by putting them on equal footing with their classmates.
Thanks to your generosity, this year’s drive raised over $42,000 in donations, allowing Upbring to provide vital resources and wraparound support for the children we serve. From June through July, our community stepped up by purchasing school supplies, sponsoring backpacks filled with essentials and volunteering to help stuff them—creating positive experiences and lasting memories for the children in our care.
Building on the success of this year’s drive, your enthusiastic support made our backpack stuffing event at Upbring’s Austin headquarters a memorable day. Volunteers, including donors and employees, came together to fill backpacks with not just supplies, but with hope and encouragement.
“Nothing gives me more pleasure than to make sure kids are equipped with the proper tools to have a successful school year,” said volunteer Fernando Reyes. “It’s rewarding to see tangible impacts from our collective efforts and to be part of something that makes a real difference.”
Each backpack was carefully packed with pens with inspirational messages, motivational stickers and a personalized card signed by every volunteer. Surplus supplies were also donated to children at our Upbring Head Start Preschool, extending the impact of your generosity even further.
One of our foster parents, Karla Wilkinson, said the children in her care couldn’t have been more pleased with their backpacks.
“Aidan was super excited and said it was ‘the coolest’ he has ever gotten. And he said he wouldn’t need any more supplies the rest of the year,” she shared. “Morgan was also excited because he got a Minecraft backpack with lots of paper. Thank you for putting a smile on my boys’ faces!”
“We are incredibly grateful to our donors and volunteers for their unwavering support,” said Brittany Kegley, Director of Donor Relations. “Your contributions have made a profound difference, giving our youth in foster care the tools they need to start the school year on an equal footing with their peers. Thanks to you, the children in our care can approach their education with the confidence they deserve.”
Your kindness and dedication continue to fuel our mission to break the cycle of child abuse by empowering children, families and communities. To learn more about our Foster In Texas program, explore Upbring.org/FosterInTexas. For more information on becoming an Upbring partner, please visit Upbring.org/Get-Involved.