Caring for Their Community

Operation Liberty Hill: Making Sure Kids Are Ready For Back to School

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

As the number of LHISD students from low-in come families continues to rise — currently at least 28 percent of the district’s population – Op eration Liberty Hill’s executive director, Susan Bak er, emphasizes the growing need for their Back to School program.

“When kids are going back to school, I think it’s very important they get as much help as possible due to the high cost of school supplies, shoes, and clothing. Everything has gotten so expensive, and we try to help as much as we can.”

On Saturday, August 12, Operation Back to School will provide students in need with a free backpack, socks, and athletic shoes at Fellowship Church, 3600 Ranch Road 1869 in Liberty Hill. All students who are eligible for the district’s free or reduced lunch program, from EE through 12th grade, and live in LHISD, Bertram, or Briggs qualify for Operation Back to School.

Operation Liberty Hill does not provide school supplies since organizers have found it difficult to keep up with teachers’ unique supply lists, but Susan says they are committed to supporting local school supply collection initiatives.

To participate in Operation Back to School, students must register by Wednesday, August 9. Pickup is 9am to noon on Saturday, August 12 at Fellowship Church, and students must be present to try on shoes.

Growing Need

Last year, Operation Liberty Hill served more than 48,000 residents in LHISD, Bertram, and Briggs through financial assistance and education, workforce training, spiritual care, Summer Snack Bags for kids, food pantry, and other support programs. The organization is also feeding more than 300 families per week, which Susan says reflects a growing need for services. "More and more families are seeking our assistance. Although the demand is high, and growing, we are determined to step in whenever a need emerges, and we are deeply committed to filling the gaps wherever we can. While much of our work focuses on providing for material needs and sustenance, our true mission is to instill hope and provide relief to these families in their time of need."

To join Operation Liberty Hill in its mission of caring for the community – all food and monetary donations are welcome – visit operationlh.org/faqs.