UVALDE, Texas — The school year is quickly approaching for students across Texas. Two former school employees at Lockhart ISD are making sure students in Uvalde have what they need to return to school this fall.
Retired couple Connie S. Amaya and Louis S. Amaya worked at Lockhart ISD for a combined 76 years. They started a backpack drive in 2019, but this year they are taking it to Uvalde.
“I wanted to help in any way we could,” said Louis Amaya.
Louis Amaya was born in Uvalde and says it’s the least he can do to help comfort students as they return to school this fall.
“It was very hurtful, heartbreaking,” Louis Amaya said. “We just prayed a lot for them. We’re still doing that. That’s why we want to go and give out a little bit.”
“Bring a smile to them, a hug, shed a tear with them,” Connie Amaya said. “Just show them our love.”
The couple says during their time as school employees they saw some students carrying books and papers from class to class, because backpacks are often the most expensive items on a back-to-school list.
Although they’re retired, they want to give back to others in need.
“Right now, they need people to be together, united through all this,” Connie Amaya said.
“Give them a little more hope that there is help out in this world, even though there’s things happening all over, that there are people that do care,” said Louis Amaya.
Over the weekend, over 500 total backpacks, pickles and Big Red sodas were handed out to students and parents. Supplies in Uvalde were gone in 30 minutes, according to Louis and Connie’s grandson, James Morales.
Connie gave out her 1,000th backpack since she started the backpack drive three years ago. The couple said there will be another backpack drive in Uvalde before the school year starts.