Local businesses donate more than 800 backpacks to PFISD elementary school

PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) - This year, kids at Copperfield Elementary will be sporting new backpacks, thanks to the persistence of one teacher and the generosity of local businesses.

It all started with an email from Margaret Olivarez asking businesses like Dell, Nordstrom, T-Mobile and Ross to name a few for a couple of school supplies. "I did not expect all this," Olivarez said. "Maybe a classroom but not over 800 backpacks so it's been really nice to see my kids smile."

On Thursday, the hottest day of the summer, teachers packed their cars with backpacks and set out to give their new students a brand-new backpack and welcome them into the new school year.

It's all a part of the school's "community walk."

A welcoming tradition Pflugerville ISD has done for 20-years.

Principal Georgie Arenaz said it can be a heartwarming experience.

"It's good for the teachers who are new to our campus," Arenaz said. "It gives them a chance to see what our community looks like and it's wonderful for our teachers who have been doing this for a number of years because it really gets them excited about meeting their students."

Parents and kids welcomed Olivarez with a big hug.

Several smiling at their new teacher and their new backpacks.