Bemis, Kelley and Dollahan elementary schools in the Rialto Unified School District (RUSD) kicked off the 2024-2025 school year with a heartwarming event: the annual backpack giveaway.
The 2024-2025 school year began on August 5, and students at these schools received a special surprise during the first week when they were able to choose their very own backpack from a wide selection. The excitement was palpable as students rummaged through the rows of backpacks in search of the perfect one. Students at Bemis and Kelley Elementary Schools selected their backpacks on August 6, followed by Dollahan Elementary School on August 7.
Now in its eighth year, this initiative, organized by the RUSD Fiscal Services team under the auspices of Business Services, has provided thousands of students with new backpacks filled with essential school supplies to help them be prepared and excited for the year ahead.
The annual giveaway is made possible by the generous donations of local businesses. This year, Southwest Office Supplies and Superior Grocers donated generously to provide back-to-school backpacks for more than 2,000 students. Their combined efforts ensured that students at the selected schools started the new school year well prepared and excited.
“Thanks to generous donations from supporters like Superior Grocers, we were able to provide more than 2,000 students with new backpacks and essential supplies this year,” said Nicole Albiso, RUSD Lead Fiscal Services Agent. “This has made a significant difference in these students’ lives and helped them start the school year with confidence and the tools they need to succeed. Thank you to everyone who made this possible.”
The backpack distribution was a lively affair, with students beaming as they moved through a colorful array of backpacks. After choosing the perfect backpack, the excitement continued when they discovered it was filled with items such as notebooks, pencils, rulers and erasers.
Teachers, principals, support staff, and various RUSD Business Services personnel including warehouse, maintenance and operations, nutrition, and risk management worked with Financial Services to assist with the distribution. RUSD Acting Superintendent Dr. Edward D’Souza was joined at the distribution by Dr. Rhea McIver Gibbs, RUSD Lead Strategic Agent, Dr. Patricia Chavez, RUSD Lead Innovation Agent, Diane Romo, Lead Business Services Agent, and many district administrators who also supported the effort.
“I was truly impressed by the excitement and joy in the students’ eyes,” said Dr. Monte Stewart, principal of Bemis Elementary School. “The students were so surprised to see the supplies when they opened their backpacks. Bemis Elementary School is so grateful to all the donors who participated and generously provided backpacks to all of our students. Words cannot express my admiration for all they do for our children. Thank you to Superior Grocers, our district, businesses, financial services and everyone who helped organize this event.”
The backpack drive has grown significantly since its inception, when Fiscal Services provided just 50 backpacks in its first year. Today, it continues to expand, fueled by the tireless support of donors and the dedication of RUSD staff who work diligently over the summer to bring joy to students at the start of the school year.
“I am happy and excited that all of our students will have a backpack and the materials they need to participate in the curriculum,” said Aldo Velasco, principal of Kelley Elementary School. “This kind gesture means a lot to our students and families, and I am grateful to Southwest Office Supplies and Superior Grocers for being our partners in equity.”
As we begin the new school year, the backpack drive is a testament to the importance of community strength and the importance of ensuring every student has the resources they need to succeed.
