July 2, 2025 — The Pineywood Outreach Center is excited to announce its Backpack Blessings July Drive, a community-wide initiative focused on providing school essentials, groceries, and personal care items to families with children in need. With rising costs affecting households across Shelby County, this drive offers hope and practical support right when it’s needed most.
Running throughout July 2025, the Backpack Blessings Drive invites individuals, churches, businesses, and civic groups to help fill backpacks with school supplies, grocery bags with nourishing food, and hygiene kits with personal care essentials. The effort supports families facing financial stress and aims to ensure that every child starts the school year equipped and confident.
“This is more than a supply drive—it’s a way to stand with families, ease burdens, and show love in action,” said Marquita Garrett, Program Coordinator at Pineywood Outreach Center. “When we bless a child with a backpack or a family with groceries and hygiene items, we’re not just giving things—we’re giving dignity, peace, and a reminder that they’re not alone.”
Throughout the month, the campaign will feature themed weeks such as:
- “Fill the Fridge Week” – food and pantry staples
- “School Success Week” – school supplies, uniforms, backpacks
- “Fresh & Clean Week” – hygiene and personal care items like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorant
To add even more excitement, local workplaces are invited to join the “Bless-a-Bag Workplace Challenge”, a friendly fundraising competition with creative ways to give, team up, and make a lasting impact.
How You Can Help:
- Donate school supplies, diapers, groceries, or hygiene products
- Host a drive or workplace challenge
- Give or drop off donations at Pineywood Outreach Center, 255 Haley Drive, Center, TX 75935
For more information or to get involved:
Marquita Garrett
936-427-7766 ; 936.657.0037
pineywoodoutreach@gmail.com ; marquita.garrett@careportal.org
Jacque Cartwright
936-332-3297
jcartwright2010@yahoo.com
Link to Case by Case Family Intake Form - Pineywood Outreach Services Intake Form
Together, we can make sure every child walks into school this fall with confidence—and every family feels the love of their community.
