Before kids head back to school this fall, state Senator Jose Peralta joined local organizations and volunteers to make sure that they were fully equipped to take on the school year head on during the Eighth Annual Back to School Giveaway in Corona on Saturday, Aug. 19.
At the event behind St. Paul the Apostle Church on 98th Place, Peralta and volunteers gave out approximately 3,300 brand-new backpacks filled to the brim with school supplies that will help the students succeed no matter what grade level they are preparing to enter.
Peralta was happy to see so many parents and children taking advantage of the giveaway, calling it a “win-win” for families who may not have much disposable income to spend on school supplies for one or more children.
“It helps [parents] economically in terms of the fact that the median income in my district is about $35,000 a year, so it helps them. If they have more than one child, we’re talking about a backpack that is going to cost around $100 with supplies inside, so now if you have two or three kids, you’re talking about saving over $300, and that’s huge,” Peralta said. “So it’s a win for the parents, and it’s a win for the kids because they get these cool backpacks full of supplies so they can feel that confidence … and they don’t feel left out.”
After receiving their backpacks, the fun wasn’t over.
Kids were invited to try and climb the challenging rock wall provided by the NYPD; they also enjoyed face painting and other fun activities.
On hand at the event were more than 20 local organizations and sponsors providing important information and services for parents.
“Not only do they get school supplies, at the same time they get half a day enjoying themselves,” Peralta said. “And not just kids, you got parents climbing the wall, that’s a wonderful thing.
