Students from seven Dallas ISD schools received free uniforms thanks to the Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities and JCPenney at a special event on Wednesday, Aug. 9.
A “pop-up shop” at Ellis Davis Field House provided a true shopping experience for students attending C.F. Carr, Jill Stone, Paul L. Dunbar, Elisha M. Pease, Charles Rice, Ronald E. McNair and J.W. Ray elementary schools.
“This year’s back-to-school event is the largest ever,” Emmitt Smith said. “Which means we continue to collaborate with community partners and that our community partners continue to give above and beyond.”
Superintendent Michael Hinojosa said that during the past three years, the Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities have provided more than 4,000 uniforms to students who need them most. The organization received the 2016 “Leading the Charge Award” for its work to collaborate with community partners to benefit students.
“From the humble beginnings of one student asking for uniform assistance to now serving over 7,000 Dallas ISD students with uniforms, free dental and eye screenings with glasses, food and now books, Pat and Emmitt Smith Charities has been at the forefront of “Leading the Charge” on behalf of the Dallas ISD,” Hinojosa said.
JCPenney’s contribution represented about 3,000 uniforms valued at $150,000.
“JCPenney is proud to be part of this amazing local back-to-school event,” said Sherina Smith, vice president of Loyalty and Customer Relationship Management at the company. “Our founder James Cash Penney’s legacy of giving back to the communities in which we live and work is as relevant today as it was when he opened his first store in 1902.”
Also available at the event were free vision screenings and eyeglasses for students who need them; dental screenings; haircuts; books; lunch; and take-home healthy groceries for all families.
