United Way of South Texas proudly celebrated the 30th Annual Back-to-School “In Style” Shopping Spree Event in August. Thanks to the community’s support, one hundred and seventy-five middle school students, from nine school districts, each received school attire and personal hygiene items valued at $175.00. The United Way Board of Directors increased the number of participants by 17% in 2026 and is excited to announce that United Way will host two “In Style” Shopping Sprees each fall. This will allow Shopping Buddies and students to shop from a larger inventory selection. United Way extends their deepest gratitude to Target, who has been a partner for the “In Style” Shopping Spree for over twenty-five years and who also provides backpacks filled with school supplies for each child. Students also receive breakfast, sponsored by Target, before beginning their early shopping spree.
“As a new school year begins, thousands of South Texas families face difficult financial decisions as they struggle to afford essentials their children. In many underserved communities, educators also work tirelessly despite limited resources, striving to give every student the opportunity to succeed. For too many children, these challenges can overshadow the excitement and optimism that should accompany the first day of school. Through the generosity of donors, volunteers, and community partners, United Way’s Back to School “In Style” Shopping Spree helps remove those barriers. More than providing backpacks and new clothes, the program restores confidence, instills hope, and reminds students that their community is invested in their success”, said Sandra A. Rodriguez Ramos, Parent and Family Engagement Coordinator at Edinburg CISD.
The shopping spree ensures students walk into the classroom feeling prepared, valued, supported, and empowers them to focus on learning, building friendships, and pursuing their dreams.
Middle School Counselors begin the selection of eligible students in May and visit with families with the greatest needs. They are the “heart” of the program. They identify families that struggle to provide the basic tools to start the school year. Seventeen (18) partner school districts in Hidalgo and Starr Counties participate on a rotating basis. The school districts in this year’s “In Style” Shopping Spree rotation include: PSJA ISD; Donna ISD; Edinburg CISD: Edcouch-Elsa ISD; Hidalgo ISD; La Joya ISD; La Villa ISD and Weslaco ISD. San Isidro ISD will join the program for the first time. These amazing districts are United Way partners throughout the year and many serve on United Way’s Education Council. The Education Council includes ten local school districts, with representatives who identify many critical barriers faced by their students, and use United Way grants to respond and provide immediate relief for families, when other funding is unavailable.
“Of the many wonderful events United Way hosts for our students, the Back-to-School “In-Style” Shopping event is my favorite. Watching students return from their shopping experience is the best part. They come back beaming with excitement, carrying big bags filled with new shoes, clothing, toiletries, school supplies, and, of course, the “cool” gel pens they cannot wait to use throughout the school year. They eagerly show off everything they picked out, talking over one another as they share their favorite items. Seeing their joy is a reminder that this event is about so much more than school supplies. It gives students confidence and helps them start the new school year on the right foot”, commented Guadalupe Garcia, Student Services Coordinator, PSJA ISD.
The success of the event was made possible by dedicated Target volunteers, including Target – Las Tiendas McAllen Store Manager Rolando Reyna, HR Executive Nancy Barrera and Jay Martinez, Executive Team Leader. United Way’s partnership with Target highlights the organization’s ongoing mission to empower and support local families. In addition, more than 130 supporters from United Way partner companies volunteered to help students with their $175 purchases. The following companies provided volunteer “Shopping Buddies”: AEP Texas; Boys & Girls Club of McAllen; City of McAllen; City of Mission; Frost Bank; GE Aerospace; Greater State Bank; Hidalgo County Drainage District No.1; Hidalgo County Precinct 1; Hidalgo County Precinct 2; Hidalgo County Precinct 4; IBC Bank; PlainsCapital Bank; Rally Credit Union; Region One ESC; Reserva Coffee Roasters; SCAN; Starr County; Security Service Federal Credit Union; South Texas Federal Credit Union; Starr County; Target Stores; Texas Regional Bank; U.S. Customs & Border Protection-Roma, U.S. DHS – OBP Office and Women Together.
The United Way Board of Directors extends their sincere gratitude to all the supporters who help bring Education Opportunity initiatives to life, including the Back-to-School “In Style” Shopping Spree, Youth Leadership Mentorship Program, and the Day of Caring – Project FreshStart, which provides school supplies to 3,400 high school students every year. These impactful efforts make a meaningful difference for local families navigating the challenges of preparing their children for the school year.
About United Way:
United Way of South Texas invests in programs that address critical services in the areas of Healthy Communities, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Community Resilience. The organization supports 21 non-profit agencies in Hidalgo and Starr Counties that serve a minimum of 180,000 local residents annually. Services provided by United Way of South Texas through Partner Agencies include emergency shelter, family violence counseling, character-building programs, child victim advocacy, and infant stimulation classes. To learn more, visit www.unitedwayofsotx.org. If you would like to support United Way programs with a monetary donation, you may mail a tax-deductible check to United Way of South Texas at P.O. Box 187, McAllen, TX 78505-0187 or pledge online at https://unitedwayofsotx.org/donate-now/. For volunteer opportunities, visit volunteersotx.org.