Graves McLain Injury Lawyers has marked over a decade of community support by delivering nearly 3,000 customized school supply packs to four high-need schools in the Tulsa and Union Public School systems. The initiative, which began in 2016 with the Free Backpack Program, has evolved to meet the changing needs of local students, and this year’s effort focused on schools identified through collaboration with the Schusterman Family Foundation’s community back-to-school coalition.
The firm targeted Central High School, Will Rogers High School, Union 6th/7th Grade Center, and Union Freshman Academy, fulfilling specific wish lists provided by each school. This approach ensured that the supplies matched the unique needs of students, rather than using a one-size-fits-all model. In total, 2,850 packs contained more than 24,000 items, including pencils, pens, notebooks, highlighters, paper, folders, earbuds, glue sticks, markers, scissors, and correction tape.
The distribution included 1,100 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, where Graves McLain partner Chad McLain met with faculty and staff to express gratitude and reinforce community support for educators and youth.
This year’s initiative also had a broader impact through a partnership with Gatesway Foundation, whose vocational training 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. This collaboration extended the initiative’s reach, benefiting both students and the disability community.
“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.”
The selection of schools was data-driven, considering factors like high free and reduced lunch rates and gaps in existing assistance. By working with the community coalition, Graves McLain identified schools that were not already receiving substantial support from other programs, ensuring resources went where they were most needed.
This targeted approach reflects a decade-long commitment to helping students start the school year prepared. Over the years, the firm has employed various methods, from direct donations to large-scale distribution events, always aiming to make a meaningful difference. The 2026 effort underscores the firm’s dedication to community leadership and charitable partnerships, as outlined on its website at www.gravesmclain.com.
The initiative’s impact extends beyond the immediate supply of materials. By addressing specific needs and collaborating with local organizations, Graves McLain is helping to reduce the burden on families and teachers, potentially improving educational outcomes. For business and technology leaders, this story highlights the importance of corporate social responsibility and strategic philanthropy—where resources are allocated based on community input and data, creating sustainable change.
As schools face increasing challenges, such partnerships between businesses and educational institutions become vital. They not only provide tangible resources but also foster a sense of community support that can boost morale and encourage student success. Graves McLain’s model of listening to schools and filling gaps offers a blueprint for other organizations looking to make a real impact.
