More than 200 children and youth received new shoes, socks, backpacks and school supplies during a back-to-school giveaway held Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, in Brownwood.
Revitalizing Our Community, known as ROC, organized the event in conjunction with A Breath of Praise Community Church, or ABOP. The giveaway took place at the ABOP church, where children and youth were able to select new footwear and backpacks before receiving pizza.
Community groups provide school essentials
ROC President Draco Miller described the event as a success and said organizers hoped the donated items would ease some of the financial pressure facing local families as they prepare for the school year.
“We were glad to be a blessing to so many kids and youth,” Miller said. “This is a special event, an event that gives back and helps those who may be in need. Parents are already making a dollar stretch in this economy, hopefully we were able to take some of the burden off their shoulders. I loved seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces as they picked out their new shoes and backpack, they were so excited. Once the kids got their new gear, they were treated to pizza.”
The event was organized with help from First Blessings ministries. ROC also thanked ABOP church and First Blessings for their work in putting the giveaway together.
Volunteers and future updates
Members of the Howard Payne University men’s basketball team volunteered at the event, along with Coach Nadir, according to ROC’s acknowledgment of supporters.
ROC encouraged residents to follow Revitalizing Our Community on Facebook for additional photos and updates about upcoming events. The supplied report does not provide a specific date or location for another giveaway.