Last week I had the privilege of going to Carino’s in Cedar Park and participating in their Stuff the Backpack Drive.  Sarah and her staff were wonderful and the food delicious!  You have until this Sunday to help.  All the details are below!!

A dozen Austin area elementary schools will benefit from a school supply drive sponsored by Carino’s Italian Restaurant, the company announced.

The Stuff the Backpack drive started Aug. 10 and will continue through Aug. 30. School supplies will be distributed to classrooms at Sunset Valley, Cunningham, Joslin, Walnut Creek, McBee, Graham, Pleasant Hill, Houston, Odom, Davis, Hill and Summit elementary schools.

Teachers spend an average of $1,500 of their own money every year to help with classroom needs, according to a Carino’s press release. Company officials hope the drive will help teachers and students have a more successful school year.

Supplies needed most include:

• 8 oz. bottle of white glue
• pencil boxes
• #2 pencils
• Crayons
• 12 in. rulers
• Wire bound notebooks
• Blue or black ink ballpoint pens
• Notebook binders
• Folders with pockets
• Backpacks

Those who donate an item to the drive will receive a coupon for a free child’s meal and a complimentary dessert coupon for students to give to their teachers.

Supplies can be dropped off at the following Carino’s locations:

• 5601 Brodie Lane, Ste. 1600, Austin
• 12901 N. IH-35, Austin
• 9500 S. IH-35, Austin
• 11620 N. FM 620, Austin