Magnolia-based nonprofit Society of Samaritans is hosting a backpack giveaway with Intercept Ministries for 300 Magnolia ISD students Aug. 5 as well as back-to-school clothing sales, food donations and a community blood drive throughout August. In the last 19 weeks since early March, SOS has fed 29,000 people with 479,000 pounds of food and 1,220 volunteers, according to a July 23 email.
- Aug. 5: A drive-thru backpack giveaway will be held from 10 a.m.-noon at Society of Samaritans, located at 31355 Friendship Drive, Magnolia, with backpacks for 300 MISD students. Additionally, SOS is giving away "Empowerment Packs" with personal hygiene items, Bibles and school supplies to guests.
- Aug. 8: Families can pick up coupons for $10 off back-to-school children's clothing at the SOS Drive-thru Food Pantry 10 a.m.-noon Monday through Friday. Clients can use these coupons during a sidewalk sale at The SOS Resale Shop from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 8 at 17665 FM 1488, Magnolia. Each item is $1, including clothing for men, women and children as well as shoes and purses.
- Aug. 11: Community members can donate nonperishable items to SOS from 5-7 p.m. Aug. 11 at 31355 Friendship Drive, Magnolia, to help feed children at home during the prolonged virtual learning period. Items needed include canned pasta, mac and cheese, peanut butter, jelly, canned fruit, and ramen noodles.
- Aug. 15: SOS and the Greater Magnolia Parkway Chamber of Commerce will host a community blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 18423 FM 1488, Magnolia, in the shopping center parking lot. Each donor will receive a COVID-19 antibody test and pint of Blue Bell ice cream at no cost. Interested donors must register here.
