The Junior League of Lufkin, in partnership with Angelina County churches, businesses and service organizations, hosts the annual Back to School Bonanza on the second Saturday of August each summer. The big event is held at the Pitser Garrison Convention Center, located at 601 N Second Street Lufkin, TX 75901. Buckner Family Pathways helps to pre-register students throughout the summer and are also on hand the day of the event for those who were not able to pre-register. Back to School Bonanza provides 3,000 FREE backpacks filled with school supplies to Angelina County school children (K-12).  In addition to the backpacks, children can have a dental screening and receive a free health kit, haircut, school uniforms, shoes and socks, but quantities are first come, first serve.

The motto of Back to School Bonanza has been “Together, we will make a difference in the lives of the children in Angelina County!” Back to School Bonanza is a community-wide event supported by Buckner Children & Family Services, First United Methodist-Lufkin, First Baptist, Southside Baptist, Calvary Baptist, First Christian, Concerned Black Men of Lufkin, Angelina Rotary Club, Lufkin Rotary Club, the Angelina Lady Lions Club and numerous other individuals and groups.  Many thanks also to the Junior League of Lufkin’s Helping Hands sponsors; without their generous gifts, it would not be possible to pull off such a large endeavor.