This story was originally published by GO Public Schools West Contra Costa.
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Local family advocacy organization, GO West Contra Costa, distributed 1,000 brand-new backpacks stuffed with school supplies to West Contra Costa families earlier this week.
“We sent an email out to over 2,000 community members with information about how to claim a backpack. Within 48 hours, all slots were filled,” shared Natalie Tovani-Walchuk, the organization’s Executive Director. “There is a real need for more of these supports and I’m thrilled to see that there are still so many other opportunities for families to get supplies before school starts.”
GO West Contra Costa’s backpack drive was sponsored by The Irene S. Scully Family Foundation, The West Contra Costa Public Education Fund, and community volunteer, Tom Panas. Dozens of community members also donated to the effort. This is the organization’s second year supplying backpacks and school supplies to the community.
“It is so great to see how our community comes together to help our students and families get ready for a new school year,” said WCCUSD Trustee Demetrio Gonzalez-Hoy, who volunteered to help GO West Contra Costa’s staff pass out backpacks on Tuesday at Murphy Elementary. “It’s important that our students know we will all do everything we can to ensure they’re successful year after year.”
WCCUSD students return to school on Tuesday, Aug. 16.
Sara Sandhu is Director of Communications at Go Public Schools
