The Greater Tulsa Association of Realtors (GTAR) is once again hosting its 19th annual Backpacks for Kids campaign, benefiting recipients from various Family & Children’s Services (FCS) programs, including Women in Recovery (WIR), Child Abuse and Trauma Services (CATS), Comprehensive Home-Based Services (CHBS), School-based, Early Childhood and Systems of Care (SOC) programs.
Since its inception in 2006, when 100 FCS clients received personalized backpacks, the campaign has grown significantly. Initially, GTAR raised $5,000, providing each child with a backpack filled with school essentials like shoes, jeans, shirts, socks and underwear. The event also featured a pizza party with entertainment from Jungle Jim, who delighted children with a magic show and animal balloons. By the second year, the number of backpacks distributed increased to 500, with attendance growing each year.
Shelley Carson, co-chair of the GTAR Community Affairs Committee, and Crystal Houck, senior program director of FCS’ Comprehensive Home-Based Parent Support and Training Program, describe the project as a labor of love, noting the valuable lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Today, the campaign enjoys support from Tulsa area Realtors, local businesses and sponsors. GTAR raises funds through an annual golf tournament and private donations.
In 2024, thanks to a successful yearlong fundraising effort that raised $70,000, the Backpacks for Kids event will provide 700 children with backpacks containing new school clothes, shoes, socks and personal care items like deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste. The event will also feature a sports-themed party with free pizza, ice cream, haircuts, a photo booth and more. Nearly 45-50 volunteers will help assemble the backpacks and participate in the celebration.
For more information about the GTAR Backpacks for Kids project, click here.
