By Kathy Chouteau
With the WCCUSD and other schools returning next week, local backpack giveaways are abounding. Here’s the scoop on several events upcoming in Richmond and San Pablo.
The Kiwanis Club of San Pablo and Latino business owners are collaborating with the City of San Pablo for a “Free Backpack Giveaway” Sat. Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the San Pablo Library, 13751 San Pablo Ave. in San Pablo.
Organizers say that children in Kindergarten through 12th grade should be present to receive their backpacks, which will be available while supplies last and aim to help them “prepare for back to school.” Also on hand that day will be free haircuts for children and COVID-19 vaccines given by Contra Costa Health Services to anyone who isn’t fully vaccinated.
Questions? Contact Lucy Canjura at 510-965-5974 or [email protected]. Register here.
Over in Richmond, Hillcrest Baptist Church will be giving away free backpacks filled with school supplies Sat., Aug. 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or until backpacks run out) at 3400 Hillcrest Rd.
Families have the option of using the event’s drive-thru to pick up their children’s backpacks, or reserving them by calling the church’s office at 510-223-9200. Those able to volunteer to prepare the backpacks Friday morning or to help during the Saturday event can call the same number.
Also on Sat., Aug. 13, Saving one Life at a Time and Veterans of Foreign Wars will hold a Community Cookout & Backpack Giveaway at the Veterans Memorial Hall at 968 23rd St. in Richmond. The event, which starts at 11 a.m., features not only backpacks but also school supplies, food, drink, BBQ and fun.
On Sun., Aug. 14, Richmond Tire at 1608 Market St. will host its annual backpack giveaway. The event will run from 11 a.m. until supplies run out.
On Fri., Aug. 19, the City of Richmond Library & Community Services Department will hold a Richmond Community Block Party and Resource Fair in the City Hall Atrium at Civic Center Plaza. Along with a backpack giveaway, there’ll be food, music, jumpers, games, health screenings and services and community resources. The event will run from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Later this month, on Sun., Aug. 28, GOT GOALS Inc., Richmond PAL and Soulful Softball Sunday are partnering on a free backpack giveaway at the annual Soulful Softball Sunday event. Donations are currently needed for backpacks, school supplies and hygiene products. Donations can be made at Cash App $GOTGOALS1 or by purchasing items and bringing them to the front desk at the Richmond PAL at 2200 McDonald Ave. The goal is to giveaway 300 backpacks to support local youth.
