Dallas, TX: “Give back to the community we live in by serving the needy” is the theme of the multiple annual backpack giveaway events organized at the Central Jr. High School, Euless TX on and at the Medrano Elementary School, Dallas TX on Saturday September 11th, 2010 by the Telugu Association of North America (TANA). TANA, founded in 1977, is one of the oldest and largest Indo-American nationallevel organizations with its charter to perpetuate, integrate, and assimilate the cultural heritage of the Telugu-speaking people of the North American continent into the mainstream of the cultural heritage of North America. This program was co-sponsored by the Telugu Association of North Texas (TANTEX), founded in 1986 as a non-profit, non-religious organization to maintain, preserve and perpetuate the cultural heritage of Telugu speaking people of North Texas.

 At these backpack distribution centers several needy students assembled to collect their backpacks. All these students and parents thanked TANA and TANTEX for their generous charitable contribution. Prasad Thotakura, Executive Vice President of TANA explained the organizations history in serving various communities across North America in general and DFW area in particular and reiterated TANA’s commitment to serve the community with result oriented  programs. Chandra Kanneganti, President of TANTEX encouraged all the members of the organization to come forward and take part in this great cause and appreciated the school district for accommodating TANTEX to host cultural events.Dr. Gene Buinger, HEB School District Superintendent said “TANA and TANTEX backpack program made this new school year easier for over 200 kids and thank them for their generosity year after year.

The second phase of the backpack distribution took place at the Medrano Elementary School where members of the TANA and TANTEX assembled along with over 200 needy children who are in need of the supplies in time for the new school year. This program was presided by Pauline Medrano, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem of City of Dallas. Medrano and the school principal and staff of the school thanked TANA and TANTEX for giving back to the community and hoped that many organizations would take part in the future as the need is growing. TANA officials Prasad Thotakura, Ram Yalamanchili, Rajesh Veerapaneni, Manjula Kanneganti and TANTEX officials Chandra Kanneganti, Urimindi Narasimha Reddy, Subbu Jonnalagadda, HEB officials Dr. Buinger Melody and Joyce participated in the event.