Fort Worth

Back to School Roundup Gives 10,000 Kids Reason to Smile

Nearly 10,000 deserving kids in Tarrant County received the VIP treatment Thursday morning as they prepare to head back to school.

Michelle Bush said it's been great having her kids at home for the summer, but, like many parents this time of year, she's counting down the days until school starts.

"Yes, I am so ready for them to back," she said, laughing.

And after stopping by the Back to School Roundup in Fort Worth Thursday morning, Bush's daughters, McKaylia and Christa McGhee, said they're ready to head back too.

"I think I'm gonna have a good school year with all the new stuff that I got today," McKaylia said.

Nearly 10,000 families joined them at the Will Rogers Memorial Center where they received free backpacks, school supplies,haircuts, eye and dental exams and health screenings.

"We want to make sure every student in Tarrant County has the opportunity to get the school year started off right," Roundup board member Carol Andreani said.

The kids appeared to be excited and, at times, overwhelmed. Especially by the amount of gifts they received.

"It's hard to carry," student Zachary Elizaldi said.

Organizers said that's exactly why they do what they do.

"It just energizes you," said Andreani. "It makes you really excited to be making an impact on these people's lives."

Any leftover supplies will be donated to Tarrant County, which will then dole them out to various school districts.

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