Back-to-School Backpack Program

Back-to-School Backpack Program Success!

Thank you for giving 170 kids in need essential school supplies!

The generosity of our community supporters never fails to amaze and inspire us. Thanks to 103 donors and our incredible staff and volunteers, we’ve raised an amazing $29,758, surpassing our goal of $25,000 to give 170+ Marin students backpacks, school supplies, and clothing gift cards.

We would also like to thank our corporate partner, Ultragenyx, who mobilized their staff to support the event via donations and on-site volunteering, and Camelbak, who provided high-quality, discounted water bottles that we were able to include with every backpack. Thank you!

We were so grateful to bring back our in-person Back to School Backpack Program Pick Up Party this year! On Wednesday, August 10th, registered families lined up at our campus in San Rafael to select their new backpacks, supplies and gift cards. They also enjoyed delicious smoothies that were generously donated by Juice Girl Mill Valley.

Click on the image gallery below to see more photos from the event!

Photo Gallery

A Little Relief for Parents

The Backpack Program Pick Up Party is one of our staff and clients’ favorite events. There is so much joy in seeing young, smiling faces picking out their favorite backpacks and showing excitement for the new school year. It also eases the burden on parents like Lorenas, a Ritter Center client and mom of two.

“Thank you to everyone who made it possible for my kids to be happy returning to school with new backpacks and supplies. This is a huge relief as we are parents going through difficult times.”

Why our Back-to-School Backpack Program is so important.

Education is one way to break the cycle of multi-generational poverty. With rising costs and staggering inflation low-income families are having to choose between paying rent and buying food, and they simply do not have the means to purchase backpacks, school supplies, and clothing for their growing children. Ensuring kids can start the school year with the supplies they need helps them feel more confident and better prepared for their academic year ahead. This is why our Back-to-School Backpack program is so important to our clients.

If you were unable to make a donation by August 10th, don’t worry! The backpack drive will run through the month of August so that we can provide needed supplies to as many local students as possible. You can also make a donation anytime to support Ritter Center’s medical and behavioral health care, housing support services, benefits assistance programs, and food pantry which help thousands of families and individuals in need in Marin.

DONATE

Please do not mail gift cards to Ritter Center. Please donate online or send a check to:

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

If you already donated, thank you so much! See if you can double your donation by checking if your gift can be matched by your employer. Thank you again for all of your support!

Double Your Donation!

Matching Gift and Volunteer Grant information provided by