Yolo County Backpacks for Kids provides new backpacks and school supplies to children and schools in need throughout Yolo County.  Through the generosity of Yolo County residents, businesses, and leaders, over 1,500 children, who would not otherwise have the resources to buy school supplies, have received the necessary supplies to start the school year properly equipped and prepared to learn.

One thing that perpetuates the cycle of poverty is the lack of adequate education, and so together we must ensure that nothing inhibits our children’s learning, and that they are properly prepared with the necessary school supplies to meet their educational needs. 

In this harsh economy, currently thousands of local families—the majority with one or more child—are currently receiving some type of County assistance and will have difficulty affording to purchase all the supplies needed for their children’s education.

The problem extends to hundreds more parents who, though not on aid, are overwhelmed by the extensive supply lists distributed by many schools.  As a result, many teachers are forced more and more to purchase out of their own pockets the basic supplies needed to run their classrooms because schools and parents simply cannot provide all the materials required.

Imagine being a child who is unable to bring a backpack, pencil, or paper to school.  Imagine how you would feel, especially when confronted and compared with your classmates who are able to return year after year with new backpacks and abundant supplies. Teachers have told us that students who do not have the proper supplies have lower self-esteem, often become frustrated, and have difficulty learning.

An education is a vital component in our children’s development.  There is no limit to what a child can learn if equipped with the proper supplies. The backpacks you provide our children will hold more than just their books, they will hold the promise of a life-time of possibilities. Thank you for providing for their future.