With the Bay Area’s living expenses still sky-high, many households, especially low-income families, are feeling the pressure. Each week, they face the difficult decision of paying rent or buying food. Ritter Center steps in to help families stay housed and nourished through rental assistance and nutritious food services. However, school supplies often remain a luxury these families cannot afford.

Education is one way to break the cycle of multi-generational poverty. However, many low-income families simply do not have the means to purchase backpacks and school supplies for their children. Inadequate supplies or clothing can set children up for failure in school, causing anxiety, damaging their self-confidence among peers, and stifling their enthusiasm for education.

Let’s rally to support our local families in need by providing all essential school supplies—from pens and paper to water bottles and lunch boxes—to help kids start the new school year strong!

Our corporate partner, Life Science Cares Bay Area, is generously donating backpacks and supplies for older students, helping to offset some of our costs. This year, just like last year, we can give each child a $100 Target gift card for new school clothes and shoes!

The cost of providing a fully-stocked backpack with supplies and a $100 gift card is $150 per child.

Together, we can make a significant impact on their educational journey by helping to kick-start their school year!

On Friday, August 16, registered families will come to Ritter Center to select their new backpack and supplies at our Back-to-School Backpack Collection Party! It’s a joyful day and the smiles on kids’ faces says it all. For a THIRD year in a row, Juice Girl Mill Valley is generously donating delicious smoothies for our families to enjoy on the day. Plus, Book Exchange of Marin is providing over 300 FREE books, and we have free kids’ face painting!

Together, with the help of our beloved community of supporters, we can help our local kids feel confident and prepared to start a new school year. Make a meaningful donation today! 

Please do not mail gift cards to Ritter Center. Please donate online or write a check to “Ritter Center” and mail to:

Ritter Center
Back-to-School Program
PO Box 3517
San Rafael, CA  94912

THANK YOU!