Organizations throughout the Coachella Valley will provide free school supplies to students at multiple events through August.
The Palm Springs Parks and Recreation Department will host two backpack giveaways, offering children free backpacks filled with school supplies. Online registration is required for both events.
The first giveaway will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 26 at Demuth Community Center, 3601 E. Mesquite Avenue.
For more information or to register, go to www.palmspringsca.gov/recreation.
The second event, a giveaway and resource fair with activities and community services, will be held at 5 p.m. Aug. 1 at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center, 480 W. Tramview Road. Registration is required by July 28 and can be found at: www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1148401403982536&set=pcb.1148401447315865.
The Cathedral City Library, in partnership with Community Coven — a mutual aid group that supports local communities — will hold a free community resource fair from 1 to 5 p.m. July 27 at 33520 Date Palm Drive. The all-ages event will offer school supplies, food, hygiene products and other resources. A raffle with prizes and gift cards from local businesses will also be held.
To learn more about the fair, call 760-328-4262.
The Gailee Center will distribute backpacks from 2 to 5 p.m. Aug. 7 at 66101 Hammond Road in Mecca. Organizers said they are collecting monetary donations, backpacks and other supplies until July 28. With the help of a grant from Bighorn Golf Club, the center expects to hand out “hundreds of backpacks” to students in need, officials said.
Children do not need to be present to receive a backpack, but parents or legal guardians must show a valid school ID, report card or proof of school registration.
“This event is more than just handing out backpacks,” Claudia Castorena, co-founder of Gailee Center, said in a statement.
“It’s a chance to show the children in out community that we believe in them and are here to support their education. With help from our partners and supporters, we are making sure each child starts the school year with the tools they need to succeed.”
The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission will host its “Backpack Bonanza and School Supply Drive” on Aug. 8 at 47-470 Van Buren Street in Indio.
In addition, the city of Coachella will hold a drive-thru giveaway from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 12 at its District Office, 87225 Church Street in Thermal.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians for donating 500 backpacks and school supplies to help our students start the school year strong,” officials said.