Casina Hospitality, BEAR launch school-supply drive across Houston-area restaurants

Casina Hospitality is collecting new backpacks and unopened school supplies for at-risk and CPS-involved children in Greater Houston through Sept. 1. Donations can be dropped off at four Monterey’s Little Mexico and Casa Olé locations, with BEAR expecting to help more than 19,000 local kids get ready for school.

Why it matters: - The drive is aimed at helping children across Greater Houston start the school year with basic supplies and more confidence in the classroom. - BEAR says the effort supports more than 19,000 local kids. - The campaign gives restaurant guests a simple way to contribute to a local back-to-school need.

What happened: - Casina Hospitality partnered with BEAR…BE A Resource to collect new backpacks and unopened school supplies for at-risk and CPS-involved children. - The donation drive runs now through Sept. 1. - Guests can donate at four participating restaurants: Monterey’s Little Mexico in Greenspoint, Humble and Alvin, and Casa Olé in Pasadena. - Donations are accepted during regular restaurant hours.

The details: - Guests may donate pre-packed backpacks filled with new school supplies, new empty backpacks or individual loose school-supply items. - All donated backpacks and school supplies must be new and unopened. - Drop-off locations are Monterey’s Little Mexico at 12520 Greenspoint Drive in Houston; 270 W. First St. in Humble; and 410 Gordon St. in Alvin. - Casa Olé’s donation site is at 4018 Spencer Highway in Pasadena. - More information about BEAR’s Back-to-School program and suggested supplies is available through the organization’s program page. - BEAR also directs readers to BEAResourceHouston.org for additional information about the nonprofit.

Between the lines: - Casina Hospitality is leaning on its restaurant footprint to turn routine visits into community giving. - The partnership also ties the company’s family dining brands to a visible local cause ahead of the school year. - BEAR is using the drive to widen support from donors beyond direct service partners.

What’s next: - The school-supply drive continues through Sept. 1 at all four locations. - Casina Hospitality and BEAR are seeking as many donations as possible before the deadline. - The nonprofits and restaurants will likely use the campaign to help children head into the school year better equipped.