Community angels step up to help meet urgent need for school supplies in Arcadia

Summer is winding down for kids across SoCal, meaning a new school year is approaching.

“I want to go back into school looking good, a new backpack, new supplies, new notebooks, everything would be nice,” student Camila Marquez said.

Foothill Unity Center is helping students and parents do just that through one of San Gabriel Valley’s largest back-to-school events at Santa Anita Park.

SEE MORE: Where to find free backpacks and school supplies

“We want these kiddos to have just as much as anybody else,” executive director Jhoana Hirasuna said. “Even when their families are struggling, so, having those backpacks, having those shoes, having new clothes.”

This year the number of families needing a little help has quadrupled since last year.

Hirasuna said about 1,000 students registered to receive backpacks, stuffed with supplies.

“They will get socks, underwear, gift cards for shoes, and then also haircuts and manicures,” Hirasuna said.

For parents, getting help with back-to-school essentials lets them concentrate on more important things.

“They support us so much because economically, we can’t afford to buy a lot of things,” parent Rosa Delgado said. “Really, it helps us a lot.”

“We have a family of five and it’s just helping us with the cost,” parent Terry Ruiz added. “Everything is just so high right now, so it’s an amazing program. I’m so grateful for it.”

Students are also thankful for what this event does for families in need, and for students who are eager to start the new school year on the right foot.

“Now we can save money in food, clothes, in everything, gas,” Marquez said. “Mostly because I’m in a sport right now in school, so that helps her save money.”

“As a single mom, she does all she can, and for an opportunity like this, definitely relieves some stress,” student Serek Juarez said.

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Community angels step up to help meet urgent need for school supplies in Arcadia

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