For children, the first day of school brings a déjà vu feeling of excitement: seeing old friends, trading summer stories, meeting new classmates and charming the teacher.

That excitement may be déjà vu for some; however, students who don’t have the supplies they need to succeed in the classroom may find it difficult. That’s why Houston Alumni Organization (HAO), Houston Coca-Cola Bottling Co. and H-E-B officials have joined forces, once again, to sponsor the 17th Annual Operation School Supplies (OSS) drive. This year’s goal is to assist children in 320 schools in 30 area school districts.

Faculty, staff and students can participate in an OSS campus drive, which runs through July 27, by dropping off school supplies in the collection bins at various locations at UH or by giving financial contributions. Visit the HAO Web site at www.mycougarconnection.com/oss to make donations.

The campus drive is part of the citywide OSS, which runs through Aug. 8. During the citywide drive, Houstonians can purchase school supplies at H-E-B grocery stores and contribute cash donations through the scan card system. In addition, each time a Coca-Cola product is purchased at H-E-B during the drive, the Houston Coca-Cola Bottling Co. will donate a portion of the proceeds to OSS.

Contact Jamie Ochoa at 713-743-9554 or at jlochoa@central.uh.edu for more information on the OSS campus drive.

Staff reports