Group facing back-to-school prep setback

HOUSTON Each year, La Rosa Family Services gives free school supplies to students in need, but this year there will be no backpacks at its big event. That's because its order of $10,000 worth of backpacks is stuck in customs in California.

La Rosa leaders says customs officials told them it's taking time to clear the shipment because of how big it is and the fact that it's from China.

But the organization is making do with what it has.

"It's a wonder how God works," La Rosa Executive Director Theresa Gutierrez said. "Verizon called and said, 'We have 3,200 bags. Do you want them?' And I said, 'Oh my God, I have 3,200 children.' What a small world. They didn't even know."

La Rosa says, once the backpacks get here, they will be delivered to the students.

Schools participating in this event include Braeburn, Cunningham, Elrod, McNamara, Sutton, Bonham, Milne, Neff, Valley West, White. It will take place on Saturday from 8am until 12pm. It will be held at Plaza Americas (formerly Sharpstown Mall), 7500 Bellaire Blvd., Houston.