Community Donation of School Supplies Requested For Backpack Bonanza Thursday, August 14

INDIO -- With 31 percent of Coachella Valley children at or below the poverty level, the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission wants to help them achieve academic success through their Backpack Bonanza Community Outreach Event by providing 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 is hoping to distribute more than 2,500 backpacks to children in need and is asking for our community’s support. Boxes have been distributed at more than 100 locations throughout the  Coachella Valley.  Participating organizations include all locations of Chase Bank, 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 Lega 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 many other businesses and churches throughout the Coachella Valley. Boxes will be in the valley until August 6. Collection box delivery begins June 16-18. Boxes will be picked up Aug.4-6.

Backpacks and supplies can also be dropped off at the CVRM located at 47470 Van Buren St. in Indio. An online donation designated for the Backpack Bonanza can be made at https://www.cvrm.org/school-supplies/

Backpacks, spiral notebooks, yellow highlighters, pencil sharpeners, lined paper, and all other related supplies are needed. Donations of backpacks and supplies are welcome until August 13. Children must be present to receive a backpack.

Since 1971, the Rescue Mission has strived to meet the ever-growing needs of individuals who, for a variety of reasons, have found themselves without the basic necessities of life. A dedicated staff and volunteers serve more than 324,000 hot meals annually and provide over 116,400 nights of safe shelter to men, women, and children. Food, clothing, and showers are also provided for those who do not shelter at the Mission. More information on how to help support the Rescue Mission and their programs can be found at CVRM.org. 

Volunteer Opportunities: