LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A Las Vegas mother has made her children’s July birthdays into an annual school supply collection effort, donating the items to a local back-to-school drive.
LaTaisha Cummings has four children, all born in July. Each year, instead of accepting gifts, the family asks friends and relatives to bring school supplies.
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From one backpack to a growing tradition
The effort began modestly.
“The first year we did it we got one backpack,” Cummings said. “The second year we did it we got a couple backpacks and a stack of school supplies.”
The collection has grown each year. “Each year it gets bigger, and this is the biggest it’s been so far,” Cummings said.
Children say giving back is the best part of their birthdays
Cummings’ daughter, Kelsey Taylor, said the tradition is meaningful to her.
“It makes me feel happy that I give kids everything that they need,” Taylor said.
Her brother, Aiden Taylor, said helping other kids is the best part of his birthday.
“It makes me feel happy to be able to help kids,” Aiden said.
A personal motivation
For Cummings, the tradition is rooted in her own childhood experience.
“I used to be that kid that never had anything, so I don’t want my kids to take for granted all of the things they do have,” she said.
All donations benefit the FOX5 S.O.S. Back-to-School Drive, which fills backpacks for students in need.
How to donate
Donations can be dropped off at Findlay Subaru of Las Vegas, located at 6455 W. Roy Horn Way, beginning July 10. Monetary donations can be made by texting SOS2026 to 51555.
FOX5 will broadcast live from three Southern Nevada locations July 22–24, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Donations will be accepted at each site.
- Wednesday, July 22: UFC Fit, 5651 Centennial Center Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89149
- Thursday, July 23: Findlay Subaru of Las Vegas, 6455 W. Roy Horn Way, Las Vegas, NV 89118
- Friday, July 24: Albertsons, 201 S. Stephanie St., Henderson, NV 89012
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