CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The new school year is around the corner and Corpus Christi Police Department hosted their annual back-to-school event Saturday afternoon.
Thousands of parents and children attended Operation Safe Return at the American Bank Center, where they received several free items in preparation for the 2024-2025 school year.
CCPD's annual Operation Safe Return Health and Safety Fair offers Coastal Bend families a chance to prepare for school without having to break the bank while providing free services like health screenings, interactive activities and more.
Sharon Allen's children are excited for the new school year. This has been a difficult year for her family but she said this event is a blessing and she is grateful for the help.
"So we're full-time missionaries and it has been a little bit, a financially difficult year and so we're like let's come here so we'll at least have what they need for the new school year," said Allen.
Valerie Gonzalez is a single parent of triplets and said this event helps her a lot.
"It's helping me save so I don't have to go out and buy as much as I need for the schools that they ask for because it's a lot that they ask for," Gonzalez said.
As the prices continue to rise, mothers Debbie Charest and Leslie Morales said this event helps them provide for their children while sticking to a budget.
"Especially with the struggling parents out there. Sometimes we can't get the things we need for our kids and this helps us," Charest said.
"Even when you go to the cheapest stores, they're still expensive. You got to get school clothes too, school shoes too, backpacks. It's just getting expensive," Morales said.
Mother of 4, Melinda Garica says this event not only helps her financially but it also gives her children a chance to experience different careers by talking to several professionals.
"You know, they love coming to these things. Getting school supplies, getting ready for school. It's like a pre-getting ready for them. They love it, that's why we came," said Garica.