Backpacks full of supplies handed out to Memorial Day flood victims

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Hours before doors opened today at HISD's Parker Elementary School, students and parents were lining up for a backpack and school supply giveaway. Many of them were families who lost everything in the Memorial Day flooding.

The non-profit "Kids In Need" foundation sponsored the event along with Joann's Fabric and Craft Stores. They brought 864 backpacks to the school, filled with supplies like folders, notebooks, crayons, markers, scissors and glue.

"It means a lot. I mean especially for those people who can't afford to buy backpacks and stuff. Its great." said Monique Lewis who is a mother of a Parker elementary student.

Kids in Need's "Second Responder" program organized the event. They conduct similar giveaways at other schools around the country. For more on their organization you can log onto www.kinf.org. Their goal is to ensure that every child is prepared to learn.

School begins next week. By the looks of things at Parker, they're ready.