Coachella Valley Rescue Mission Distributes 1,500 Backpacks Amid Tough Economy

A new school year means a new start. 1,500 students rushed to Martin Van Buren School on Saturday to receive a new backpack filled with classroom supplies.

“I have a journal, crayons, pencils, glue stick and a sharpener,” said Viviano Recio, 9.

Her brother Juan, 14, managed to get a backpack in his favorite color: blue.

Some students even received new shoes and a fresh haircut. More than a dozen hair stylists from the International School of Beauty volunteered their services.

This was the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission’s tenth year in holding the Backpack Bonanza. But, it was the last one to be held here at Van Buren School. Next year, it will be held at CVRM’s new campus which is scheduled to open in November.

In order to take advantage of the giveaway, families arrived early.

Very early.

“I went out before we opened the doors and talked to the first people in line,” said Floyd Rhoades, CVRM Chairman. “They came here at 3:00 p.m. yesterday.”

Ashley Recio thought her family would miss out on the giveaway. They arrived a half-hour after the doors opened. “We woke up early, and we tried to get here early,” she said.

The CVRM goal was to gather 3,000 backpacks. However, the organization managed to get half of that goal due to the tough economy.

Board members weren’t too worried about it. “Yesterday, somebody came out with 200 backpacks at the eleventh hour,” said Rhoades. “These are the kind of people we count on.”

CVRM welcomes more backpacks and school supply donations. Donations and supplies may be dropped off at:

47-518 Van Buren St. (760) 347-3512