Backpack Giveaway Sets New Records

The City of Lancaster’s Community Services Division proudly hosted its annual Backpack Event, achieving a significant milestone this year.
The event saw the distribution of over 10,000 backpacks, making a positive impact on more than 23,000 households throughout the community. This year’s event marked a record-breaking achievement driven by the support of 50 different organizations from throughout the County of Los Angeles, making it one of the most collaborative events in history.

The success of the 2024 Backpack Event was made possible by several key partners and contributors. Antelope Valley College, the top-level donor, alongside All For Kids, (formerly Children’s Bureau)/First 5 LA and Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, played a crucial role in the event’s success.
Other major partners such as the Lancaster School District, CAAASA, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, and Bartz-Altadonna contributed by providing free meals, groceries, health screenings, vaccinations, and eye care services. The 2024 Backpack Event saw robust support from local businesses and organizations. Key monetary donors included:
• Antelope Valley College
• Blue Shield of California
Promise Health Plan
• Best Start LA
• Lancaster Community Center
• Edward’s Federal Credit Union
• Kaiser Permanente

To ensure accessibility for all residents, the event featured seven distributions throughout Lancaster, including the Lancaster Community Center, Lancaster School District, Children’s Center of the Antelope Valley, Penny Lane Centers, Sole of the CommUNITY, Westside Union School District, and Race Communications. Each hub served as a central hub for residents to access backpacks, supplies, and additional services.
The Backpack Event showcased Lancaster’s dedication to community support and outreach. This collaborative effort continues to strengthen the bonds between local agencies, businesses, and residents. This event has grown into a vital resource for families, ensuring students have the supplies they need to succeed while providing access to valuable services.

Read about it here.