Share Ourselves Distributes 2,000 Backpacks to Local Students
Every student deserves to start the school year prepared.
This summer, Share Ourselves distributed 2,000 new backpacks filled with essential, grade-appropriate school supplies to local students. Through Family Service Night and two backpack distributions, volunteers, donors, community partners, and staff came together to help students begin the year ready to learn.
For many families, their students may go without supplies, or the cost of preparing for a new school year can add financial pressure. Backpacks, notebooks, pencils, folders, and other classroom essentials quickly add up. The Share Ourselves Back to School Program helps ensure students have the supplies they need to start off the new school year.
Preparation began on July 29 at our Summer Family Service Night. Close to 100 volunteers of all ages gathered at Share Ourselves in Costa Mesa to sort school supplies and pack backpacks for the distributions. Families worked side by side and learned more about the services Share Ourselves provides throughout Orange County.
Family Service Night gave community members a hands-on way to support local students. Every backpack packed that evening helped prepare a student for the first day of school.
On August 1, Share Ourselves joined Newport-Mesa Unified School District’s annual Back to School Kickoff Expo at IKEA Costa Mesa. Students and families had access to school essentials, health services, and community resources in one place. Share Ourselves distributed 1,000 backpacks during the event.
On August 8, we welcomed families to Share Ourselves at BESST Center for our annual Back to School Backpack Distribution. Staff and volunteers distributed another 1,000 backpacks filled with supplies that students can use throughout the school year.
A backpack filled with school supplies provides more than classroom basics. It helps a student arrive prepared, participate in class, and begin the year with confidence. It also reminds students and families that their community is invested in their success.
This program is possible because of the people who choose to support it. Thank you to everyone who donated backpacks and supplies, hosted a collection drive, made a financial gift, packed backpacks at Family Service Night, volunteered at a distribution, or helped connect families with the program.
At Share Ourselves, we believe education is health. And health is everything. When students have the tools and support, they need to learn, they are better positioned to grow and thrive. By working together, we can help more students start the school year prepared and ready for what comes next.
Thank you for helping 2,000 local students start the school year strong.
Learn more about the Share Ourselves Back to School Program and how you can support future distributions.