Giving every child the chance to succeed
The start of the school year is just around the corner, and that means it’s time for our annual backpack and school supply fundraiser. Over the past few years, with your support, we’ve supplied thousands of backpacks filled with supplies to kids in need around Austin and in our educational mission in Piedras Negras, Mexico.
At our Back-2-School Bash events, we’ll be throwing community-wide parties where kids and their families in South Austin, East Austin, and Piedras Negras, Mexico, can have a blast, receive backpacks (and NEW THIS YEAR…) new shoes and enjoy an uplifting kickoff to the 2026-27 school year.
2026 Smart Start Fair
Sunday, July 19 10am - 12:30pm
On the Plaza @ Riverbend Church
Free hot dogs, sausage wraps, popcorn, watermelon, snow cones, lemonade and fun for the whole family!
Join us for a fun-filled morning as we celebrate reaching our goal of providing 1200 backpacks filled with school supplies and new children’s shoes to children in Austin and Piedras Negras, MX.
Click HERE to volunteer for the Smart Start Fair
Ways to Help
Donate Essentials
ABC can stretch your school supply dollars further
Volunteer Locally
to help distribute Backpacks and School Supplies
Volunteer Globally
on the Piedras Negras MX Smart Start Mission Trip July 24 - 26