The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission (CVRM) is calling on the community to support its annual Backpack Bonanza, aimed at helping nearly 2,500 low-income children prepare for the upcoming school year. With 29 percent of children in the Coachella Valley living at or below the poverty level, this initiative is critical in providing the necessary tools for academic success. The giveaway event will take place on Wednesday, August 14, starting at 7 a.m.
“Being prepared for school is crucial,” said Darla Burkett, Executive Director of CVRM. “Education is a vital step in breaking the cycle of poverty, and we are grateful for the community’s support in meeting this need.”
To ensure the success of the Backpack Bonanza, CVRM has distributed donation boxes at over 100 locations throughout the Coachella Valley, including:
- Augustine Casino in Coachella
- CV Volkswagen in Indio
- CVB – Community Valley Bank in Indio
- Coachella Valley Rescue Mission in Indio
- Indio City Hall and Police Department
- Trilogy at La Quinta
- Renaissance Esmeralda Resort in Indian Wells
- California Desert Association of Realtors in Palm Desert
- Orr Builders in Palm Desert
- Ancho Wealth Management in Palm Desert
- KESQ Studios in Thousand Palms
- Rancho Mirage City Hall
- Hunter’s Palm Springs
- AMR in Palm Springs
- Cruise Holidays of Palm Springs
- Las Casuelas Terraza in Palm Springs
- All valley locations of Chase Bank
- All valley locations of First Bank
- All valley locations of Mechanics Bank
Donations of backpacks and school supplies can be dropped off at these locations until August 9th or directly at the Rescue Mission, located at 47470 Van Buren St. in Indio until August 11th. Additionally, online donations designated for the Backpack Bonanza can be made at CVRM’s website. Essential items needed include backpacks, spiral notebooks, yellow highlighters, #2 pencils, pink erasers, pencil sharpeners, lined paper, safety scissors, and other related supplies. All items must be new and in their original packaging.
The need is urgent as families with children are the fastest growing group of homeless people in Riverside County.
Since 1971, CVRM has worked tirelessly to address the growing needs of individuals lacking basic necessities. Each year, CVRM’s dedicated staff and volunteers serve more than 198,000 hot meals and provide 72,000 nights of safe shelter to men, women, and children. They also offer food, clothing, and showers to those who do not stay at the Mission.
For more information on how to support the Rescue Mission and its programs please visit CVRM.org.