Project 66’s Back-to-School Mission 

The Project 66 Food & Resource Center is gearing up for its annual Back-to-School Resource Fair. Held on Saturday, August 2, the event aims to equip more than 1,000 local students with the tools they need for a successful school year.

While the event has grown significantly in recent years, the mission remains the same: meet families where they are and ensure every child walks into school confident and prepared.

“This event actually predates me,” said Executive Director Neil Tate. “Our founders realized that many of the families coming to our food pantry were also struggling to afford school supplies. So they thought, ‘Why not ask the community to provide school supplies along with food?’ That simple idea has grown into something much bigger.”

Now held at First Christian Church in Edmond to accommodate the growing crowd, the resource fair offers free backpacks filled with age-appropriate school supplies. They pack everything from pencils and crayons to notebooks and glue sticks. The supplies are divided into two main categories: elementary and middle/high school.

Project 66 relies on donations and partnerships to make its initiatives a success. Local churches and businesses pitch in by providing large quantities of a specific item, such as highlighters or pens. Sports Clips is offering free haircut vouchers as an added confidence boost for back-to-school. 

“Donations have covered all the supplies this year, which is amazing,” said Tate. “Now we’re just needing more help covering the cost of the backpacks themselves. We’re also accepting donations of bottled water and kid-friendly snacks to keep families hydrated and happy while at the event.”

Coordinated through the City of Edmond, participating organizations include the Edmond Public Schools Foundation, local libraries, mental health providers, and various city services, such as police and fire. As an extra bonus, the Edmond Police Department will be handing out popsicles.

“We want every child to start the school year with everything they need to be successful,” Tate said. “This event puts them on even footing and helps them show up confident, prepared, and ready to learn on the first day of school.”

The event is open to all families in need. Children must be present to receive supplies. To support the effort or make a donation online, visit Project66.org/donate.