More than 2,500 backpacks were loaded with school supplies for Leander ISD students to start off the 2017-2018 school year during the Backpack Attack on Aug. 5. Hosted by Leander ISD and Hill Country Bible Church in Austin and Leander, the event brought community members together to help prepare students for the next school year. Some highlights from the event—which was held at LISD's Extended Opportunity Center—include:
  • A total of 2,750 backpacks with grade-specific supplies were assembled.
  • About 2,000 backpacks were distributed to eligible students. Extras will go to LISD elementary and middle schools.
  • More than 300 volunteers participated, including many students and children.
  • About 150 people received vision screening.
  • LISD PTA Clothes Closet had 510 children shop at the event and gave out approximately 2,040 pieces of clothing.
  • Laces for Leander—which collects new athletic shoes for students—received a $2,500 sponsorship from Cedar Park Nissan.
Participating groups included:
  • Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce
  • Leander Chamber of Commerce
  • For the Children
  • Leander ISD Educational Excellence Foundation
  • Smile Generation
  • Laces for Leander (Hill Country Community Ministries)
  • Leander Cedar Park Lions Club
  • ADAPT
  • Parents as Teachers
  • LISD Services: PTA Clothes Closet, Child Nutrition Services, Pre-K Registration, Immunization Check, College and Career Readiness and Counseling and Guidance
  • Austin Community College Continuing Education
  • Community Action, Inc. of Central Texas
  • Moms in Prayer
  • Christian Resource Center
  • Reveal Resource Center
  • Life Bridge Job Corps
  • PTA & Healthy Lifestyles
  • Austin Orthodontics
  • Builder Homesite, Inc.
  • Texas Army of Retired Teachers
Monetary donations will be accepted through Aug. 15 to continue purchasing new backpacks and school supplies for a reduced cost. Donations can be made at hcbc.com/backpack.