YMCA locations across the Greater Houston area—including the Langham Creek Family YMCA at 16725 Longenbaugh Drive, Houston, and the D. Bradley McWilliams YMCA at 19915 Hwy. 249, Houston—are preparing to distribute new backpacks filled with school supplies to 120,000 children in August.

Those who wish to contribute to the cause can purchase a new backpack and school supplies, such as pencils, notebooks, erasers, folders, glue, colored pencils and rulers, and drop them off at any local YMCA location or designated drop-off location by Aug. 10.

Cissa Madero, cause marketing director for YMCA of Greater Houston, said each location throughout the region caters the event based on the needs of that neighborhood’s population. Eligibility and distribution methods vary by location.

“That’s the beauty of this drive—it addresses the needs of the local community,” she said.

Aug. 17 will be distribution day for Langham Creek area residents. Families can pick up backpacks and supplies from 7 a.m.-noon and 4-8 p.m. at the Langham Creek Family YMCA.

Houston Northwest Church—located next to the D. Bradley McWilliams location at 19911 Hwy. 249, Houston—is partnering with the YMCA and other local churches to distribute 2,000 backpacks on Aug. 11. Free food and drinks, live music, free sports physicals and low-cost immunizations will also be on-site from 8 a.m.-noon.

Madero said families interested in receiving free assistance do not have to be YMCA members. They should visit or contact their neighborhood YMCAs by phone or online to determine eligibility by the Aug. 11 distribution day.

Visit the YMCA’s website for a list of suggested school supplies and a list of local businesses and churches acting as drop-off locations.

Langham Creek Family YMCA
16725 Longenbaugh Drive, Houston
281-859-1384
www.ymcahouston.org/operation-backpack

D. Bradley McWilliams YMCA
19915 Hwy. 249, Houston
281-469-1481
www.ymcahouston.org/operation-backpack