Thousands of backpacks handed out to students

For most kids in the valley summer is officially over.

With the start of school year comes the added cost of new backpacks, school supplies and everything else students need to succeed.

For some families that cost is something they can’t afford.

But year after year one organization is there to help fill that void.

The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission passed out thousands of backpacks at their annual backpack bonanza.

“This year was absolutely fantastic. We collected almost 2,000 backpacks this year,” said CVRM Development Manager Scott Wolf.

More than 1,000 students of all ages snagged new backpacks for the new year.

Gabriella Reza and Jessica Rodriguez are both headed to middle school and picked out matching backpacks.

“I love animal print so this is my type of backpack,” Jessica said.

Others looking for the coveted “Frozen”-themed backpack.

“I like it because it has my favorite colors,” said Isabel Molina.

To make sure they didn’t miss out, some families started lining up as early as Friday.

“The line actually started forming yesterday and went around the building and down the block,” Wolf said.

The backpacks are organized by grade and stuffed with things like folders, colored pencils, rulers and other things to make sure students are ready for the new year.

And it wasn’t just backpacks being handed out.

Salons were giving free haircuts too.

“Hair cuts, lots of hair cuts. There was like tons of hair cuts with my staff and four other salons were here doing hair cuts since 6:30 this morning,” said Maily O’Neil, owner of Mai Salon.

Organizers said starting school on the right foot is essential to any student’s success

“If a child has the resources available to make a great start to the school year, that’s going to give them the momentum and confidence they need to get through the school year,” Wolf said.

Gabriella and Jessica are now ready to take on the new year.

“Basically, new classes, making new friends and meeting new teachers,” Gabriella said.

With the help of the rescue mission, they’re headed back to school in style.

Any backpacks that weren’t handed out will be donated to children who weren’t able to make it to Saturday’s event.