Help send 2,500 children back to class with new school supplies

The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission wants to send 2,500 children back to school with brand new school supplies including pencils, notebooks and a backpack.

Children and their families will line up early for the rescue mission’s annual Backpack Bonanza Giveaway in the CVRM Multipurpose Room on Saturday, Aug. 23. The event starts at 8 a.m. and will continue as long as supplies last.

“To have those new supplies and those new backpacks on their backs, it gives them that confidence and energy they need,” said Scott Wolf, the CVRM communications coordinator.

By the looks of it, the mission needs some help. Wolf said in the past, the mission’s boardroom would be half-full around this time before the event. However, there are only 300 backpacks so far.

“Donations are really down this year and we’re really asking for the community’s support in this outreach,” said Wolf.

You can help. CVRM’s collecting new backpacks in all colors for all grade levels, calculators, glue, folders rulers, markers and paper.

“We need these backpacks. We need these school supplies. We’re in such desperate need to serve these kids,” said Wolf.

New supplies can be dropped off at the mission at 47470 Van Buren St. in Indio or at collection sites throughout the desert. You can find the full list here.

Volunteer professionals will also be at the event, donating their time to provide haircuts for the children, helping them to look their best.