LOS ANGELES, July 24, 2019 -- Hillsides, a Southern California foster care and mental health charity, is asking the community to donate 800 school backpacks filled with school supplies for local children in need or foster care. Every summer, the agency, which serves almost 17,000 children and families, runs a back-to-school backpack drive for children who cannot afford school supplies.
“Hillsides is serving more families than ever before, and therefore the need for backpacks and supplies is greater than ever,” said Laura Kelso, Hillsides senior director of community resources. “Without the help of our generous community, hundreds of children won’t be able to start the school year with the needed supplies or a backpack to carry them in.”
Studies show that children do better in school when they have the needed school supplies. One easy way for people to donate is to dovetail giving with their back-to-school shopping. “While at the store, families might consider purchasing a few extra supplies such as pens, pencils, notebooks and erasers as well as some extra backpacks for kids in need,” said Kelso.
If it’s easier, donors can donate cash and Hillsides can purchase the backpacks and supplies.
Those interested in donating backpacks and supplies to Hillsides can contact Kelso at lkelso@hillsides.org or 323- 254-2274 ext. 11251. Anyone wishing to donate cash toward backpacks and supplies can visit https://hillsides.wedid.it/campaigns/3587.
About Hillsides
Hillsides, with its affiliate Bienvenidos, is dedicated to healing children and young adults, strengthening families, and transforming communities through quality comprehensive services and advocacy. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the agency serves almost 17,000 children and families in Southern California throughout more than 40 sites, including school-based mental health offices in Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Baldwin Park. Foster care and adoptions services are offered in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. To learn more about Hillsides, please visit www.Hillsides.org. Visit Hillsides on Facebook @hillsideschildren, on Twitter @Hillsides, or on Instagram @HillsidesPasadena.
CONTACT:
Alison Bell
626-390-1640
abell2@hillsides.org
