"Supply Our Schools" drive aims to help families start the year strong

NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KTRE) - As back-to-school season begins, one local group in Nacogdoches is working to make sure every child starts the year with supplies they need. [KTRE]

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A Nacogdoches-based initiative is mobilizing community support to equip students with essential materials as the academic year approaches. The organization, known by the acronym Project SOS—standing for "Supply Our Schools"—is gathering donated items including backpacks, notebooks, writing instruments and other classroom necessities for children whose parents face financial constraints linked to escalating educational costs.

The drive targets learners across all grade levels within Nacogdoches Independent School District, from pre-kindergarten through the 12th grade. School district officials gave their approval for the initiative during the previous year, recognizing the need to ensure all students have access to required educational supplies regardless of their families' economic circumstances.

Luis Martinez-Alcantara, a student serving as a volunteer with the project, articulated the mission's significance. "It's to provide for the families that need it," he said, emphasizing the emotional benefit that new school materials bring to young learners. "I feel like even little kids should be able to say, 'Oh, I got new school supplies. Oh, do you want to see this cool pen?'"

Karen Swenson, who serves as co-chair for Project SOS, stressed the broader objective beyond simply distributing supplies. "Our goal is to make sure that every student has what they need when they come back to school," Swenson said. "We want them to feel happy about going back to school."

The initiative reflects growing recognition within the community that educational readiness extends beyond academics—that students who begin their year with proper materials and a sense of preparedness experience improved confidence and engagement in the classroom.