Graves McLain Injury Lawyers have once again demonstrated their commitment to local education by providing nearly 3,000 customized school supply packs to students in the Tulsa and Union Public School systems. This year's initiative, which took a targeted approach to address specific needs, marks more than a decade of the firm's back-to-school support.
The firm, which began its Free Backpack Program in 2016, has evolved its efforts over the years. In 2026, Graves McLain collaborated with local school representatives and participated in a community back-to-school coalition established by the Schusterman Family Foundation. This collaboration provided insights into existing gaps in school supply assistance, helping the firm identify schools with significant student need, including high free and reduced lunch rates, that were not already receiving substantial support from other community programs.
As a result, the firm focused its efforts on Central High School, Will Rogers High School, Union 6th/7th Grade Center, and Union Freshman Academy. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, supplies were purchased based on specific wish lists provided by each school. In total, 2,850 packs were distributed, containing more than 24,000 items such as pencils, pens, composition notebooks, highlighters, notebook paper, folders, earbuds, glue sticks, markers, scissors, correction tape, and other classroom essentials.
The distribution included 1,100 supply packs for Union 6th/7th Grade Center, 500 for Union Freshman Academy, 350 for Central High School, and 900 for Will Rogers High School. The packs were hand-delivered to the schools in time for the new school year. Graves McLain partner Chad McLain met with faculty and staff to express gratitude and reinforce the community's support for educators and students.
This year's effort also included collaboration with the Gatesway Foundation, whose vocational training and enrichment programs employ individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Participants from Gatesway helped assemble thousands of the supply packs, and Graves McLain made a donation to support Gatesway's programs, extending the initiative's impact.
"Every year, we look at how we can make the greatest impact for local students and families," said Chad McLain. "This year, we had a better understanding of where there were still gaps in back-to-school support, which allowed us to focus our resources on schools with significant need and provide the specific supplies they told us would help their students most. Being able to support nearly 3,000 students while also supporting the work being done at Gatesway made this year's effort especially meaningful."
Over the past decade, Graves McLain's back-to-school efforts have ranged from direct school donations to large-scale community distribution events. The 2026 approach reflects the same commitment that began with the Free Backpack Program: finding meaningful ways to help local students begin the school year prepared to succeed. For more information about Graves McLain Injury Lawyers, visit www.gravesmclain.com.
