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Houston Children Prepare For School At A Water Park
During a hot weekend last month, future elementary, junior high, and high school students wearing dripping swimsuits and wristbands joyfully claimed a free backpack or packet filled with school supplies at the Adventure Bay Water Theme Park. The children were chosen by a local church to participate in this fun-filled Somebody Cares Houston (SCH) and Operation Blessing sponsored Back-To-School event because they were from low-income families.
Clowns, a stage featuring rappers, bungee trampoline, rock climbing wall as well as half-pipe skateboarding and bicycle demonstrations added to the very wet carnival atmosphere! It rained for less than an hour, trying in vain to cool the hot day off.
This was the first time Tim and Ann had ever been to a water park, let alone being able to bring their children. "We are so grateful for all you've done," commented the couple. One teen said he was going to make a scrap book from the day's experience!
As a single working mother, Gloria finds it hard to make ends meet for herself and two children. "The supplies they received will give them an edge because of the fact that when they go to school their teachers will tell them what they need, and sometimes we as parents really don't have the money," said the grateful guest. "Thank you so very much dearly from the bottom of my heart. One day, I hope to be able to... help someone else too."
Gloria's 7-year-old daughter Brianna expressed, "Yes, I like what I got [backpack]. It's nice and they gave it to me for free and I just love places that give me stuff that's free. Thank you!"
To get ready for this event, SCH had began working with KSBJ radio, more than thirty churches and ministries, as well as individual citizens for weeks! The water park also lent a helping hand by donating over 2,000 tickets! Listeners of KSBJ radio graciously responded to its' four-day school supply drive by dropping off thousands of items so youth groups could stuff purchased backpacks and packets with a variety of supplies needed by different age groups.
When volunteers, SCH and OBI staff saw off the last water park guest in the early evening, 1,000 backpacks and 200 packets had been distributed. An additional 400 backpacks and 700 supply packs as well as clothing gift certificates had also been given to Houston students in need through different activities sponsored by SCH and OBI's Back-To-School program.
Thank you for helping Houston's children get ready for school!
Give here to OBI's Back-To-School program...
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