CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The eighth annual Operation Safe Return is Saturday, July 27, and preparations are well underway for what is expected to be the biggest year yet.
Operation Safe Return brings the community together just in time for the back to school season.
"We know how to get things delivered to the right place at the right times. We're more than happy to work with the Corpus Christi Police Department on a great project like this," said Larry Roberts with Andrew's Distributing
Preparations for the eighth annual Operation Safe Return are underway, and Roberts is proud he can be a part of an event all about investing in our youth.
"It's essential to all of us that are involved that we get these kids educated," Roberts said. "And get them ready to tackle the workforce."
Everything from notebooks, pencils, and even backpacks will be available for students, and some families, supplies like this can be costly.
"It's one of every basic essential item that the kid is required to take to school," officer Jose Flores said.
The Corpus Christi Police Department continue to make it their mission to make sure no student is unprepared but they that can't be accomplished alone.
"A lot of the community members have come through, a lot of our partners," Flores said. "To get us where we're at, you know we can't do this without our community."
Organizers tell 3News the Operation Safe Return is one of the busiest times of the year for everyone involved, but all the hard work is rewarded with a student's smile.
"Besides getting ready for school, it's just a really great event. It really shows the love of Corpus Christi for our youth," Capt. Jason Brady said.
For police officers creating a better community begins with the smallest citizens.
"They support us, and we want to support them, and you know starting with the children that are the best place to begin," Brady said.