An Edcouch Elsa ISD student got a free back-to-school shopping trip thanks to a partnership between Channel 5 News, H-E-B, and Communities in Schools.

Channel 5 News went shopping with the student, who just started eighth grade at Carlos Truan Middle School.

Giovanni Alvarado had $250 to spend on school supplies and other items he needed for the new school year. His list included composition notebooks, binders, a sketchbook, and snacks.

Giovanni has a passion for drawing, so he picked out a sketchbook. 

After picking up school supplies and food, Giovanni decided to buy some toys. Even on a day that was all about him, he was thinking about his family.

"That's how he's always been, so that's the good thing about him. Right away when we got here, he was just thinking about his brothers and sisters," Giovanni's dad, Michael Alvarado, said.

Alvarado said the shopping trip was a blessing for his family. Michael has been on dialysis for over three years and is getting closer to the next step in his journey.

Alvarado said the shopping spree was one less expense to worry about and a chance to see his son get ready for another school year.

"It's a big help, especially right now that I'm not working because I'm on dialysis right now, so it came at a perfect time," Alvarado said.

Watch the video above for the full story.