Cy-Fair Helping Hands’ Back to School Bash Sizzles with Success

By Patricia Hudson

“Thank you for all that you do for our CFISD community. Best back to school event two years in a row. My boys love attending this event!”
– T.C.J. (CFHH Client)

Despite the soaring temperatures, Cy-Fair Helping Hands’ 2nd Annual Back to School Bash was an absolute success, drawing a crowd estimated at more than 1,500. Organized for CFISD students with limited financial resources, the event had two major purposes: to provide age-appropriate backpacks filled with school supplies to students in need, and to kick off the school year with an exciting carnival inspired event filled with fun games and activities for the students and their families.

Led by Backpacks Coordinator, Muriel Kruger, her visiting family from France, a team of Cy-Fair Womens’ Club and NCL Diamonds volunteers, 955 backpacks were distributed in less than three hours. 125 “vendors” representing seven churches, and 23 businesses and organizations enthusiastically engaged with the crowd at each booth. Cypress Ranch Cheerleaders and mascots, together with DJ Chris McCarthy laid down the beats and performed exciting routines, while Sweetie Pie Rental captured the moment in their photo booth. To the kids’ delight, Spiderman made an appearance and taught CPR techniques and the Cy-Fair Firemen gave a hands-on tour of a gleaming red fire truck.

Families were delighted to select school clothing donated by the community, and to learn about services available through Lone Star College-CyFair and Harris County Resources for Children and Adults (CFISD Guidance and Counseling). Non-profits Naomi’s Grace educated families about water-safety awareness, and Barkley’s Bookshelf distributed 1,174 new books. A total of 45 volunteers representing Cy-Fair Helping Hands, Young Men’s Service League Cy-Fair Chapter, YMSL Tomball, National Charity League Champions, Langham Creek NHS, VFW Post #8905 and the Missions Cook Team helped to set up and tear down booths, move backpacks, collect trash, hand out bracelets emblazoned with encouraging messages, distribute 1,000 bottles of water, sodas, popsicles, and grill LOTS of hot dogs.

“This amazing event would not have been possible without the generous donations of backpacks and school supplies, funds, food and services from the community. Our Cy-Fair Helping Hands’ Back to School Bash Committee spent countless hours planning and implementing this monumental project for our CFHH clients and CFISD students in need. Oh, and we cannot forget Tom S Ramsey, Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner’s Office for providing port-a-johns and handwashing stations,” smiles Cy-Fair Helping Hands’ Executive Director, Janet Ryan.