Redlands backpack drive aims to equip 1,000 students for school year
Community members urged to donate backpacks and school supplies by July 25 to support local students in need
REDLANDS, Calif. — Micah House is calling on the community to help equip 1,000 local students with backpacks and essential school supplies through its annual Back2School Jam, held Sunday, Aug. 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Sylvan Park.
The event, a collaboration with the city of Redlands, the Redlands Police Department, Trinity Church, and other partners, is open to families at no cost. Students must be present to receive a backpack, and giveaways will continue while supplies last. In addition to school supplies, families will enjoy a community celebration and opportunities to win bicycles.
Organizers say the effort is about more than just gear.
"That's 1,000 kids in our community who maybe couldn't afford a new backpack for school, who will now have one — and more than just a backpack," said Emma Osterberg de Rodas, executive director of Micah House. “They’ll be encouraged on their academic journey knowing that their community sees them, loves them, and cheers them on.”
Community members can support the drive by purchasing a quality backpack and filling it with supplies from the suggested list, which includes pencils, crayons, markers, notebooks, binders and erasers. Donations can be dropped off at the front office of Trinity Church, 1551 Reservoir Road in Redlands, Monday through Thursday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. All donations should be received by Friday, July 25 to allow time for sorting.
Online donations are also accepted, allowing Micah House to purchase and prepare supplies on behalf of donors.
More information and donation details are available at micahhouseredlands.org/B2SJam.
