Editor’s Note: In each issue of Richardson Life Magazine, we will highlight an individual or organization making a difference in the lives of Richardson Independent School District students. If you would like to
nominate an RISD teacher, staff member or organization, email pmotte@hylogroup.com
BACKPACK BASH 2023
RISD’S Economically Disadvantaged Students Need Our Help
By Patti Otte
Within the Richardson Independent School District, 57% of all students are economically disadvantaged, which means that more than 20,000 kids go hungry at least part of every day. 20,000 kids depend on getting a solid meal at school…and in some cases, that school lunch may be the only meal they eat each day. Imagine if every single citizen in Celina or Wylie or Stephenville, TX, went hungry every day. Each town has approximately 20,000 residents. That’s how many kids living in RISD’s borders are hungry. Every. Single. Day. And if meals are being skipped due to financial need, school supplies are an even lower priority. Ask any teacher what happens when one of those 20,000 children comes to school hungry and/or lacking school supplies. Anyone who has ever taught in a Title I school—and 31 of RISD’s 55 schools fall in that category— has a story to tell of a student suffering from hunger or a lack of preparedness due to no fault of the child.
Four years ago, members of the Richardson community decided to change the narrative and the Backpack Bash program was born. In the years since, the program has grown to two Backpack Bashes each summer, thanks to the generous support of RISD’s invaluable sponsors. States Dr. Carrie Thomas, Director of Community Engagement, “Our donors’ contributions ensure that every student is ready for the first day of school. The two events connect RISD families to programs and services in a festive back-to-school fair atmosphere.”
Backpack Bash 2022
“We have a motto in RISD that we serve every student, every day,” Superintendent Tabitha Branum says. “That means we are going to fill in a gap wherever that gap exists. And if 60% of RISD students qualify for free and reduced lunch, that means about 20,000 students need access to backpacks and school supplies to be ready to learn every day. This is hard work, educating and growing 37,000 kids, but our sponsors make it easier for us to focus on that academic growth.”
The annual Backpack Bash provides RISD students with a backpack full of school supplies and gives families access to hygiene kits, haircuts and much more in a fun environment. Last year, the program raised more than $120,000 to help fund the event, at which more than 6,000 backpacks and school supply kits were distributed to RISD families.
As successful as the program is, approximately 14,000 RISD students still need help each year. With Richardson citizens’ individual and collective sponsorship, donations and volunteer hours, the program will continue to grow and even more backpacks and supplies will be distributed. To achieve that goal and maximize this event’s impact, Dr. Thomas and her team need community support. They can also accept in-kind donations of goods or services.
To learn more about this worthwhile program, visit http://risd.org/backpackbash. If you have any questions or would like to set up a meeting to chat about the best option for your participation, contact RISD Director of Community Engagement Dr. Carrie Thomas at carrie.thomas@risd.org
Please note that all funds provided through sponsorship or donation are tax deductible.
Backpack joy
Happy recipients of school supplies
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