Heartwarming: Los Angeles Unites to Support Homeless Students with School Supplies

With the back-to-school season in full swing, various organizations across Los Angeles are stepping up to ensure that students have the necessary tools to succeed in the classroom. The annual Back-to-School Extravaganza, organized by L.A. Family Housing and supported by City National Bank, took place in Sylmar on Thursday. This event provided new backpacks, school supplies, clothes, and shoes to families experiencing homelessness.

L.A. Family Housing’s mission is to uplift individuals out of homelessness and poverty by providing a continuum of housing and supportive services. Stephanie Klasky-Gamer, President and CEO of L.A. Family Housing, emphasized the importance of supporting both kids and parents, stating that a clear focus on a housing plan is essential for helping parents on their journey out of homelessness.

For those looking to contribute, donations can be made to the organization’s Amazon wish list. Additionally, ABC7’s Community Calendar page lists future back-to-school drives for families in need across Southern California.

School on Wheels Supply Drives

School on Wheels is another nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting students experiencing homelessness. Every child served by School on Wheels receives a new backpack filled with school supplies. This year, the organization is accepting supplies through both virtual and in-person drives, with safety precautions in place due to COVID-19.

To support the virtual supply drive, individuals can create their own drive on the Roonga platform or promote the existing School on Wheels drive to friends, co-workers, and family members. For in-person drives, participants are encouraged to set a date, time, and location for collection, promote the drive through flyers and social media, and arrange for the safe hand-off of collected supplies.

Donations to School on Wheels are tax-deductible, and the organization is particularly in need of bright-colored backpacks, mini-dry erase boards, markers, and laptop cases. For more details on how to contribute, individuals can contact the organization directly.

Via Care LA’s Backpack and Supplies Drive

In recognition of National Health Center Week, Via Care LA is sponsoring a Back to School Health, Wellness, and Safety Fair from August 13th to 19th. The event will feature medical and dental screenings, informational booths, a kids’ corner, raffles, and prizes. Most importantly, free backpacks filled with school supplies will be distributed to children in the community.

Via Care LA aims to ensure that children start the school year on the best foot forward, feeling confident and prepared for the classroom environment. Donations of backpacks and school supplies are accepted at their headquarters, and monetary contributions can be sent to support the drive.

Additionally, Via Care LA conducts other drives throughout the year, including coat and blanket drives, Thanksgiving food drives, and holiday toy drives, all aimed at supporting low-income families and vulnerable individuals in the community.

Family Giving Tree’s Back-to-School Program

Despite Silicon Valley’s economic strength, hundreds of thousands of students in the area live on the edge of survival. Family Giving Tree’s Back-to-School program aims to level the financial playing field for low-income families by providing essential school supplies. The cost of a backpack and supplies ranges from $85 for elementary students to $100 for high school students, a burden many families cannot afford.

The program’s goal is to ensure that 30,000 Bay Area students have what they need to start the school year. Community members can get involved by donating, leading a drive, donating a backpack filled with grade-appropriate supplies, volunteering to sort and prepare backpacks, or sponsoring the program.

Since its launch in 1995, the Back-to-School Drive has collected and delivered new backpacks filled with essential supplies to K-12 students through partner schools and agencies. The program has made a significant impact, helping students succeed academically and build self-esteem.

Our Advice on the City

For occasional travelers visiting Los Angeles during the back-to-school season, consider participating in or supporting one of the many community drives. Not only will you be contributing to a worthy cause, but you’ll also gain a deeper understanding of the city’s efforts to support its most vulnerable residents.

For expert travelers, delve deeper into the local nonprofit scene. Volunteering your time or resources can provide a unique and enriching travel experience, allowing you to connect with the community on a more personal level. Los Angeles is a city with a rich tapestry of cultures and stories, and engaging with local initiatives can offer a profound perspective on the city’s social dynamics.

In conclusion, the back-to-school drives in Los Angeles are a testament to the community’s resilience and commitment to supporting its youth. By participating in these initiatives, both locals and visitors can play a part in ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed in the classroom and beyond.