For 16 years, the Mayor of Houston, in partnership with Shell, the Houston Food Bank and other community organizations, has helped thousands of local students prepare for the new school year through the annual Mayor’s Back 2 School & Health Fair. But before the doors open, hundreds of volunteers work behind the scenes to make it all happen.
Houston Chronicle staff photographer Jacob Lujan spent time with Mayor John Whitmire and volunteers as they assembled backpacks filled with school supplies for the approximately 20,000 elementary school students expected to attend this year’s event on Saturday, Aug. 1, at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
In addition to receiving backpacks and school supplies, families can take advantage of free health screenings, immunizations and connections to valuable community resources.
The event is open to all Houston-area elementary school students. Registration is encouraged, as space is limited. Families should bring their registration confirmation and a valid photo ID to the event.