Thousands of Tarrant County students started the school year with a little extra support as families gathered at Tarrant County College’s South Campus for the 20th annual Back to School Roundup. The event provided approved, preregistered families with free school supplies, health services, immunizations, haircuts, and access to dozens of community organizations offering resources and support.

Supporting Local Families

For Fort Worth mother Marcela Nunez, the assistance made a meaningful difference. She got in line around 6:30 a.m. to get a free laptop for her daughter. “I am a single mom; I do everything by myself,” Nunez said. “There’s so much going on financially, just everywhere right now, and I feel like this is the best thing for the community, for the people who are struggling.”

Families attending the Roundup received much more than backpacks and notebooks. The event offered vision screenings, dental services, immunizations, and health information, along with free haircuts and educational resources. Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Dr. Peter Licata said having students arrive at school prepared can make a significant difference in their academic success.

Tarrant County Commissioner Roderick Miles Jr. said the services help families redirect money toward other essential expenses. “This is so important to our families here in Tarrant County because it helps to fill gaps,” Miles said. “Money that they would have to spend on school supplies, immunizations, and things of that nature, they get to use to possibly pay a bill or to pay for gas or whatever the case may be.”

The Roundup is hosted by the volunteer-led Tarrant County Back to School Roundup organization in partnership with Tarrant County College South Campus. This year’s event also included carnival-style games, music, robotics demonstrations, and giveaways, creating a festive atmosphere for families preparing for the first day of school.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.