Backpacks for Kids Program Underway at CCUSD Schools

In the weeks before the first day of school, the Culver City community came together in a true “it takes a village” spirit to make sure that students had the supplies they needed to start the year strong. On August 14, the Culver City Backpacks for Kids Program – coordinated by the Culver City Council PTA with fiscal sponsorship from the Culver City Education Foundation- hosted a school supply giveaway. 

Backpacks Program Procurement lead Kathy Vigil stretched every dollar during back-to-school sales. Marion Serra, who is a retired CCUSD staff member and co-founder of Culver Closet, solicited generous contributions from stores Beyond Conversation and Love the City Thrift, making it possible for volunteers to prepare 150 backpacks filled with notebooks, crayons, markers, and more. Children walked away from the event ready to learn, their excitement matched only by the warmth of the volunteers who came together to make it happen. Additional bags of school supplies were given to TK/Kindergarten and new students at La Ballona Elementary, with extra backpacks left at other school sites for any children who might need them later.

Throughout the school year, the Backpacks Program provides nutritious, easy-to-prepare food each week to children so they don’t have to deal with food insecurity on the weekends. Any child in need can sign up for the program at any time throughout the school year. There is no cost to participate and enrollment is confidential.  

The Culver City Backpacks for Kids Program is made possible through the generosity of organizations such as the Culver City Rotary Community Foundation and the Exchange Club of Culver City, each providing $10,000 in grants and in-kind donations, as well as individual donors who donate through CCEF. You can help ensure that every CCUSD student has the tools to succeed by donating today. 
For more information or to request food for a student, email Backpacks Chair Connie Wong at [email protected] or visit their website.