STHS Children’s to Distribute Free School Supplies at Its Back-to-School Block Party, August 2nd

Mega Doctor News

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In less than a month, children across the Rio Grande Valley will head to the classroom for the 2025-26 school year. 

While children often get excited about returning to school because they get to reconnect with friends, meet new classmates and see their teachers again, it can be overwhelming for their parents, who must get them back-to-school ready.

The start of a new school year means parents and guardians of children in elementary through high school will need to buy the required school supplies for their kids, with families spending an average of $875 on back-to-school items, according to the National Retail Foundation.

In the Rio Grande Valley, with one of the highest poverty rates in Texas, the costs associated with back-to-school shopping can be particularly challenging for some families.

To help ease the financial burden of back-to-school shopping on local families and help them ensure their kids are armed and ready for another year of learning, South Texas Health System Children’s will host its fourth annual Back-to-School Block Party on Saturday, August 2, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Happening in the STHS Children’s main parking lot, the community event will see representatives from South Texas Health System’s facilities and systemwide departments, as well as community businesses and organizations, joining forces to distribute free school supplies to local children, including composition notebooks, pencils and pens, crayons and colored pencils, glue and scissors.

“The back-to-school period is often cited as a stressful time for parents as they rush to get the school supplies their kids will need to succeed academically,” says Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, South Texas Health System. “Unfortunately, some Valley families face additional pressure due to limited funds to buy the supplies their children require, especially if they have more than one child heading back to school. STHS Children’s believes that every child deserves to have the supplies they’ll need to achieve success in school, and we’re committed to ensuring that happens. With the support of STHS staff and our community partners, we’re prepared to distribute free school supplies to hundreds of students and get them ready for a brilliant year of learning.”

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Along with doling out free supplies, the STHS Children’s Back-to-School Block Party will also include live entertainment, games for children of all ages, no-cost health screenings for the entire family, a community resources expo and more.

Children are encouraged to show their school pride by wearing their campus colors to the event. 

The first 100 students to line up for their supplies will receive a free treat from STHS Children’s.

For more information on the STHS Children’s Back-to-School Block Party, visit the STHS Children’s Facebook Events page or call the STHS Marketing Department at (956) 388-2020.