HOUSTON — For some Houston-area school districts, back to school is just days away and the Mayor's Back 2 School Fest made sure kids were ready by providing much-needed school supplies and more to families.
Jervonni is heading to the second grade after a fun-packed summer break.
"I went to go hang out with my coaches and I played football. I went to go swim this summer," Jervonni said.
While the summertime fun is just about over, the focus shifts to school. His brother Jercari is ready to head back to class
"I get to learn more. I get to learn more new things. I get to get my knowledge way more up," he said.
Their mother Taretta Allen said the ticket prices of outfitting her children for the new year adds up quickly and like so many others, they too are adjusting after Hurricane Beryl.
"So, listen I’m a parent. I got six. I need school supplies. It ain’t cheap. The help is tremendous, it’s needed. It’s worth it," Allen said.
These youngsters are just a few of the estimated 25,000 Houston students to collect their items at the annual Mayor's Back 2 School Fest. Houston Mayor John Whitmire said it's motivating to watch.
"Education is the future and is going to continue to make Houston the great city that it is. This is the future of Houston," said Whitmire.
The supplies took center focus, but the additional access to immunizations, vision screenings, dental check-ups ups and more shared the stage and helped relieve the stress. Allen said the more smiles she sees, the better she sleeps.
"It opens their eyes up to say wow everybody is doing this for us. That’s a different type of feeling," she said.