Going back to school will undoubtedly be unusual after more than a year of distanced learning and isolation. A school campus is often seen as a safe haven for foster children and a place of structure and consistency. For their sake, we are glad they have the opportunity to return to the classroom and provide a small sense of normalcy. The Children’s Foundation of America (CFA) partnered with local agencies to provide backpacks and school supplies required for the success of 310 children identified as in-need.

We kicked off the campaign by inviting donors to participate in dropping off new supplies to our warehouse or collection locations in the Claremont Village. Alternatively, donors could purchase needed items off our Amazon Wish List and ship directly to our warehouse, or donate funds to purchase additional supplies. We received hundreds of sets of supplies as well as hundreds of dollars to the campaign. Additionally, volunteers brought supplies to contribute to the cause. We received enough supplies that we were able to support four organizations: Trinity Youth Services, Pathways Family Services, Citrus Elementary, and Shoes That Fit.

Volunteer Coordinator, Briana Calderon, led volunteers in a two-day school care package distribution and also partnered with various local Target locations to provide additional supplies to reach our goal of supporting 300 children. Fifteen volunteers turned out to support and “they were very eager to help,” Briana said.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our Back-to-School Drive for children in need. The success of this campaign would not be possible without our amazing donors and volunteers. To learn how you can get involved with our volunteer program, contact Briana Calderon at bcalderon@trinityys.org or at (909) 426-0773 ext. 236. 

Isabel Millward-Pena, Communications Specialist
Isabel contributes content for our social media, blog, newsletters and promotional materials. She recently earned a bachelor’s degree in English from California State University San Bernardino and is currently working on her master’s degree. Isabel began working with our team as an intern and, luckily for us, never left. Prior to her work at CFA, she was a substitute instructional aid and a supervisor at Starbucks. She has also volunteered as an aid at local elementary schools and notably achieved “Partner of the Quarter” at Starbucks in 2017.