CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Thousands of Coastal Bend students will have the opportunity to start the new school year prepared during the 15th annual Operation Safe Return event this Saturday.
What began as a small backpack giveaway has grown into one of the region’s largest back-to-school outreach events. Organizers expect to distribute 3,000 backpacks while connecting families with dozens of free services and community resources.
This story continues below.
The event will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hilliard Center.
Melissa Castro with the Corpus Christi Police Department’s Crime Reduction Unit said planning for the event begins months in advance and continues to grow each year.
This year’s event will feature 145 vendors, including new partners such as CHRISTUS Health, which will provide school physicals, and another clinic offering immunizations. Families will also be able to connect with Driscoll Health Plan, city departments, the Corpus Christi Fire Department and other community organizations.
Organizers describe Operation Safe Return as a “one-stop shop” where families can prepare for the school year by picking up supplies, completing required health screenings and learning about resources available throughout the community.
Castro said the event is also an opportunity for children and families to interact with law enforcement in a positive setting while learning about crime prevention and community safety.
She added that community support has helped the event expand from distributing about 100 backpacks in its early years to serving thousands of students today.