With 31 percent of children in Coachella Valley living at or below the poverty line, the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission (CVRM) is organizing a Backpack Bonanza Community Outreach Event. The initiative aims to provide free backpacks and supplies to 2,500 low-income children on Thursday, August 14, starting at 7 a.m.
“Being prepared for school is crucial,” said CVRM Executive Amanda Galindo. “After food and shelter, education for children is a critical factor in helping break the cycle of poverty. We are grateful to help the community fill this need.”
The Rescue Mission seeks community support to distribute over 2,500 backpacks to children in need. Donation boxes have been placed at more than 100 locations throughout Coachella Valley. Participating organizations include all Chase Bank locations, Augustine Casino, Coachella Valley Volkswagen, Sun Community Federal Credit Union in Indio and Palm Springs, Agua Caliente Corporate Offices in Palm Springs, Westin Rancho Mirage, Riverside Legal Aid, Hunters Palm Springs, Renova Solar, Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church, Staples Stores in Palm Desert and La Quinta, Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort and Spa, Equity Union Real Estate offices in Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert and La Quinta, KESQ News Channel 3 as well as other businesses and churches across the valley. Collection boxes will remain until August 6 with delivery from June 16-18 and pickup from August 4-6.
Donations can also be dropped off directly at CVRM located at 47470 Van Buren St. in Indio. Online donations designated for Backpack Bonanza can be made at https://www.cvrm.org/school-supplies/.
Needed items include backpacks along with spiral notebooks, yellow highlighters, pencil sharpeners lined paper among others. Donations are accepted until August 13; however children must be present when receiving a backpack.
Since its founding in 1971 CVRM has worked tirelessly towards meeting growing needs within communities providing essentials such as hot meals—over324000 annually—and safe shelter totaling more than116400 nights each year serving men women children alike while offering additional services like food clothing showers those not housed by mission itself further information supporting programs available through CVRM.org
Volunteer opportunities available include sorting/setup on Tuesday August12 @8:00 AM stuffing/packing party Wednesday13 same time followed drive-thru giveaway event Thursday morning starting half hour earlier###
