Foundation holds 6th free Back-to-School Backpack Drive in Lockhart

LOCKHART, Texas (KXAN) — The Connie S. Amaya Education Aid Foundation, based in Lockhart, held its sixth annual Free Back-to-School Backpack Drive for students in Central Texas on Saturday.

Students were able to pick out one backpack at no cost during the event. Other donated supplies were also available for students, according to organizers.

The goal of the foundation, which was officially established in spring 2024, was to empower students in Central Texas to achieve their educational potential.

“By providing essential resources and fostering a supportive community, we aim to remove barriers to education under the guiding principle: Empowering Education for Everyone,” the foundation’s website said.

Amaya worked in Lockhart ISD for 46 years before retiring, and she now uses her own retirement funds to purchase hundreds of backpacks to give back to the community.

According to Amaya’s grandson, John Mathew Bernal, she has purchased over 2,500 backpacks over the past five years, and this year, he said she would give out her 4,000th backpack.

As to the question, why a backpack? Organizers said that, for many families, a backpack can be the most expensive item ahead of the new school year. It was also considered essential for starting the school year on the right foot.

“It's also our way of telling students in the community, ‘We've got your back...pack!’" the foundation website said.