United Way of South Texas proudly celebrated the Back-to-School “In Style” Shopping Spree Event in August. One hundred and fifty middle school students, from nine school districts, each received school attire and personal hygiene items valued at $175.00. In addition, they received backpacks and school supplies. The United Way extends their deepest gratitude to Target, who has been United Way’s partner for the “In Style” Shopping Spree for over twenty-five years.
At the start of the school year, many South Texas families don’t have the funds to purchase clothing, personal hygiene items, and school supplies for their children. Meanwhile, some schools and teachers in underfunded areas lack the resources they need to encourage success. This leaves kids feeling unprepared and stressed when they should be able to focus on the excitement and promise of a new year. “The Back-to-School ‘In Style’ Shopping Spree truly brings smiles to our students’ faces,” said Lorene Bazan, Director of Counseling at Sharyland ISD. “This program helps the students start the year with confidence and excitement, and shows they are supported by their community.”
United Way of South Texas launched this event in 1996. Middle school counselors identify families that struggle to provide the basic tools to start the school year. Seventeen (17) partner school districts in Hidalgo and Starr Counties participate on a rotating basis. The school districts in this year’s Back-to-School Event rotation included: McAllen I.S.D., Mercedes I.S.D., Mission C.I.S.D., Monte Alto I.S.D., Rio Grande City Grulla I.S.D., Roma I.S.D., Sharyland I.S.D., South Texas I.S.D., and Valley View I.S.D.
“The partnership between the United Way of South Texas and local school districts, such as the Back-to-School ‘In Style’ Shopping Spree program, is a powerful example of how working together can transform lives,” Dr. Mireya Garcia, Parent and Family Engagement at Mercedes ISD, said. “By combining our resources and commitment, we ensure that every child starts the school year not only with the supplies they need, but also with the confidence and pride to succeed in the classroom and beyond.”
The success of the event was made possible by dedicated Target volunteers, including Target Mission Store Manager Leon Villarreal and HR Executive Jessica Garcia. United Way’s partnership with Target highlights the organization’s ongoing mission to empower and support local families. In addition, more than 170 supporters from United Way partner companies volunteered as “Shopping Buddies,” helping students with their purchases. The following companies provided volunteer “Shopping Buddies”: AEP Texas; Boys & Girls Club of McAllen; City of McAllen; City of Rio Grande City – Police Department; Frost Bank; GE Aerospace; Greater State Bank; H-E-B Stores; Hidalgo County Drainage District No.1; Hidalgo County Precinct 1; Hidalgo County Precinct 2; Hidalgo County Precinct 4; HomeGoods; IBC Bank; PlainsCapital Bank; Rally Credit Union; Region One ESC; Reserva Coffee Roasters; Roma I.S.D.; SCAN; Security Service Federal Credit Union; South Texas Federal Credit Union; South Texas Health System; Starr County; Target Stores; Texas Regional Bank; U.S. Customs & Border Protection-Roma, U.S. Office of Border Patrol; Vantage Bank Texas; and Women Together.
“Vantage Bank is honored to support the United Way’s ‘In Style’ Shopping Spree program, now in its 29th year,” Cris Moncayo, Senior Vice President from Vantage Bank and UW Board Member, said. “This initiative equips middle school students with essential supplies and renewed confidence, while easing the financial burden on families. It’s a powerful example of how community partnerships can create meaningful change.”
The United Way Board of Directors extends sincere gratitude to all the supporters who help bring vital 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.