Non-Profit

As Cy-Fair ISD students gear up to return to school on August 13, 2025, thousands will arrive on their first day without the basic supplies they need to succeed. Two local nonprofits—Cy-Fair Helping Hands and Cypress Assistance Ministries (CAM)—are stepping in to help close that gap, and they’re asking the community to join them.

The Need Is Greater Than Many Realize

According to data from the Texas Education Agency, more than 51% of Cy-Fair ISD’s 118,000 students are considered economically disadvantaged. That means over 60,000 children across the district could start the school year without essentials like backpacks, notebooks, pencils, or headphones—tools most families take for granted.

For many of these students, the barrier to learning starts with something as simple as not having a composition notebook or a pack of crayons. Without adequate supplies, children are more likely to fall behind academically, feel excluded socially, and struggle to stay engaged.

Two Ways to Help: Cy-Fair Helping Hands and CAM

Both Cy-Fair Helping Hands and Cypress Assistance Ministries have once again launched Back-to-School Drives to ensure no child is left behind this school year.

Support Cy-Fair Helping Hands

Cy-Fair Helping Hands has kicked off its annual Back to School initiative by collecting backpacks and school supplies for CFISD students in need. Items such as crayons, markers, binders, folders, index cards, and more are in high demand. Donations to Cy-Fair Helping Hands will be accepted through July 29.

Drop-Off Locations

• Location Option A: 9204 Emmott Rd, Houston, TX 77040 | Mon–Thurs, 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM (MAP)
• Location Option B: 12923 Enchanted Dr, Cypress, TX 77429 | Drop-off anytime (MAP)

Cy-Fair Helping Hands Wish Lists

• Amazon Wish List: bit.ly/B2S2025
• Target Wish List: bit.ly/B2S2025T
• Walmart Wish List: bit.ly/B2S2025W

Order discounted supplies online for direct delivery: thevisibag.com/pages/helpinghands

Want to partner as a business, church, or organization? Email phudson@cyfairhelpinghands.org or learn more at cyfairhelpinghands.org.

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Support Cypress Assistance Ministries (CAM)

CAM is inviting community members to help reduce the back-to-school burden for low-income families by donating school supplies and backpacks through July 21.

Drop-Off Location

• Address: 12930 Cypress N Houston, Cypress, TX 77429 (MAP)
• Dates/Times: Mon–Wed 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Thurs–Fri 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Donate through CAM’s Visibag partnership: thevisibag.com/collections/cypress-assistance-ministries

Amazon Wishlist

• CAM Wishlist: HERE

Businesses, churches, and organizations can partner or host a supply drive by contacting info@cypressassistance.org.

Giveaway Events with Free Supplies for CFISD Families

Cypress Assistance Ministries Back-to-School Giveaway

On Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Cypress Assistance Ministries will host a Back-to-School Giveaway for CFISD students. Families can drive through CAM’s location to receive a free backpack filled with school supplies, plus a clothing voucher to Angels' Attic Resale Store.

• Location: 12930 Cypress N Houston, Cypress, TX 77429 (MAP)
• What to bring: Government-issued photo ID or proof of CFISD residency
• Note: This event is for families only; no vendors will be present.

Cy-Fair Helping Hands Back to School Bash

Also on Saturday, August 2, 2025, Cy-Fair Helping Hands will host its Back to School Bash from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Calvary Community Church in northwest Houston. This in-person event is specially designed for CFISD students from families with limited financial resources.

Children must be present to receive free school supplies, but the event promises more than just a backpack—it’s a celebration of community and a day full of connection and joy.

• Location: Calvary Community Church, 7550 Cherry Park Drive, Houston, TX 77095 (MAP)
• Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• What’s included: Free school supplies, books for the kids, fun games and activities, family resources, meet first responders and explore emergency vehicles, and more

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Make a Difference This Summer

Whether you're a resident, business owner, or community leader, this is your chance to ensure every child in Cy-Fair ISD starts the year equipped and empowered.

Donating a backpack might seem like a small gesture—but for a student in need, it’s a lifeline to confidence, learning, and belonging.

Stay tuned with My Neighborhood News for more ways to support local families and students as the school year approaches.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.