Students facing economic hardship had the opportunity to receive backpacks filled with essential school supplies due to a joint effort by Lost Pines Toyota, The Salvation Army and the Toyota Lexus Minority Owners Dealership Association, or TLMODA.

The details

As families in Bastrop prepare for the upcoming school year, The Salvation Army partnered up with the TLMODA to lighten families' financial load during back-to-school season.

Since 2020, the two groups have partnered to contribute more than $1.75 million to address challenges families face across the county, according to a news release.

“We are thrilled to once again partner with The Salvation Army to make a meaningful impact in our communities,” Carlos Liriano, owner of Lost Pines Toyota and member of TLMODA said in a news release. “By coming together, we can support students and families during this critical time, reinforcing our commitment to education and community empowerment.”


A closer look

The backpack distribution for the 2024-25 school year occurred at 43 Toyota and Lexus dealerships across the nation, and took place at local Bastrop business Lost Pines Toyota on Aug. 3. Lost Pines Toyota distributed 100 backpacks to Bastrop-area students at the event, said Allison Machicek Bastien, Lost Pines Toyota marketing and social media director.

Each backpack was stocked with supplies from Walmart specific to each grade level. All backpacks also included a Walmart gift card, according to the news release.

“At Walmart, we’re committed to helping people save money so they can live better. Our associates jumped at the opportunity to bring our purpose to life and pack backpacks of school supplies for students in need,” said Steve Schrobilgen, senior vice president, West business unit, Walmart U.S., in the news release. “With the Salvation Army and TLMODA, we can spark good for students and their families this school year.”