Operation Big Book Bag
OperationBigBookBag is a program designed to address the needs, challenges and issues that face school-aged children who are educationally at-risk, in local homeless shelters and extended-care hospitals and facilities. Through this program, chapters and members collect and donate educational materials, equipment and school supplies.
Our goal is to:
Provide quick and easy access to reference materials and other studying aids and tools that will help students with educational endeavors.
Equip students with the means of completing their homework assignments in effort to keep them current and up to date.
Assist shelters, youth centers, schools and hospitals in their efforts to meet some of the educational needs of children and young adults housed at their facilities.
OperationBigBookBag was established in 1996 by the late Dr. LaRona J. Morris, 18th International Grand Basileus. It was established in partnership with the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order, Nobles Mystic Shrine, Inc. (Shriners). The program has expanded in recent years to focus on exposing students to STEM curriculum and careers, and a refocus on tutoring support and mentoring programs. Programs can be held by chapters all year long with the back to school supply give-away held every August and January of the school year.
Gamma Phi Sigma has partnered with Pat Reynolds Elementary for the Operation Big Book Bag initiative. Built in 1973, Oak Creek Elementary’s name was derived from the subdivision in which it is located. In 2005, the school’s name was changed to Pat Reynolds Elementary in recognition of the longtime administrator’s many years of dedicated service to Spring ISD, including 24 years as principal of Oak Creek. Reynolds Elementary School seeks to become a school of choice for high-quality academics with innovative and specialized programs that meet the needs of all students in a positive learning environment through the use of blended learning and to prepare students to be lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and responsible citizens who display good character – ready to contribute, compete and lead in today’s global society.