Pomona Students Receive Free Backpacks, School Supplies Ahead Of First Day Of Class

POMONA (CBSLA.com) — Pomona Unified School District students received free backpacks filled with school supplies and books on Wednesday during an annual event that was held in preparation for the new school year.

From 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., low-income families attended the annual Backpack and School Supply Giveaway, hosted at the Family Support and Resource Center, located at 605 North Park Avenue.

Officials explained the event began as a way to provide for the district's homeless student population, and has since turned into an ongoing event.

Items were donated by community groups such as Feed the Children, School on Wheels and Christ's Church of the Valley, according to the school district.

Also, the district's Health Services and Child Development Departments, Operation School Bell and the Western University of Health Sciences' College of Dental Services were featured within informational booths to educate families about tutoring assistance, housing and food.

Coordinators said they plan to distribute 1,800 backpacks on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies lasted.

Last year, about 1,300 backpacks were handed out to students.

The event is now in its fourth year.

According to the school district, the first day of school will begin on Aug. 12.