City holding annual school supply drive at Austin Central Library

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Students in Austin will soon be able to snag a free backpack and some school supplies at the city’s annual school supply drive that’s happening Friday morning at the Austin Central Library.

Austin students in need can get their backpacks starting at 10:50 a.m. at the library, located at 710 West Cesar Chavez St. in the Special Events Center lobby. The city will follow up with a news conference that will begin at 11:20 a.m., according to a news release from the city of Austin.

Speakers at the news conference will include Stephanie Hayden-Howard, the assistant city manager for the city; Lindsay Perlmutter with AISD and others, according to the release.

“Over the past 19 years, City of Austin employees have donated an estimated 14,150 backpacks,” the city said.

Students will get to choose their own backpack and supplies, the city said.

“Additional backpacks and supplies will go to AISD area schools as well as to Gardner Betts Juvenile Center,” the city said.

Moreover, the city said volunteers with the city, Austin Independent School District and Austin Partners in Educations make the annual event possible.

“Students from the Boys and Girls Club and The Summer Playgrounds Program (PARD) will be onsite to receive school supply and backpack donations from the City,” the city said.