Back-to-School Backpack Program
Thank you for helping us raise over $25,000! You helped give 170 kids in Marin essential back-to-school supplies!
Our Back-to-School Backpack Program was a great success thanks to you! At the end of August, 170 kids from low income families across Marin County went back to school with new backpacks, school supplies including pens, paper, water bottles and lunchboxes, and new clothes and shoes (thanks to the $100 Target gift card included in their kit this year!).
Check out our photo gallery from our Back-to-School Pick Up Party on August 9th!
School supplies are a luxury for low-income families
A year of crippling inflation and record-breaking rent and food prices has had a devastating effect on households, hitting low-income families especially hard.
Each week, many have to choose between paying rent or buying food. Ritter Center helps families maintain their housing through services that provide rental assistance and nutritious food. For these families, school supplies are a luxury, when we all know that they are a necessity. Having inadequate supplies or clothing sets kids up to fail in school; it can cause anxiety about not being prepared and damage their self-confidence amongst their peers, inhibiting their enthusiasm for education.
Let’s support our local families in need and give their kids all the essential school supplies – from pens and paper to water bottles and lunch boxes – to help them kick-start their new school year!
Thanks to corporate partner Ultragenyx and Life Science Cares Bay Area we have already received a donation of backpacks and supplies for older students which has helped offset some of our backpack purchase costs. Therefore, this year we can give a $100 Target gift card to each child 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.
Back-to-School Backpack Collection Party!
On August 9, 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 second year in a row, Juice Girl Mill Valley is generously donating delicious smoothies for our families to enjoy on the day. Thank you for your support, Juice Girl!
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!
