With the goal of collecting more than 100 new backpacks for local school students, State Rep. Carol Kent, House District 102, will host the third annual Back-To-School Backpack Drive, at 6 p.m., on Tuesday, Aug. 17.

The event will be held at Mel's Ice Cream, 101 S. Coit Road, in Richardson. The ice cream shop is located next to Jason's Deli. People who bring in a new backpack will receive a free scoop of ice cream, with mix-in condiments, in a waffle cone.    

"I'm looking forward to hosting this event for the third consecutive year. This is a great way to get the local community involved in giving back to our schools," said Rep. Kent, a former trustee for the Richardson school district.  "As students prepare for a new school year, it's vital they have the right kinds of tools to kick-start their return to the classroom. And a new backpack is just the school item that is needed."

Highlighting her 20-year career in higher education, Rep. Kent continues to make education a significant feature of her legislative focus.

During her freshmen year in the 81st Legislative session, Rep. Kent helped retired teachers obtain better compensation and benefits; expanded Tier-One university funding; and pursued legislative efforts that elevated public and higher education quality levels. Moreover, Rep. Kent shored up school accountability and demonstrated her leadership prowess when she helped revise Texas' Top 10 Percent Rule.

Moreover, Rep. Kent championed legislation that rendered most school supplies exempt from sales tax, during the annual "No Sales Tax Weekend." The next sales tax-free weekend is Aug. 20-22.

To RSVP to the backpack drive, contact the Office of State Rep. Carol Kent, at 214-570-9379 or e-mail: rsvp@repcarolkent.com.