By Bay City News.
On Saturday, nearly 3,500 backpacks were distributed to needy students in San Mateo, from preschool through college.
The backpack distribution, held at the San Mateo Events Center, was presented by Samaritan House, an organization dedicated to fighting poverty in San Mateo County.
Area residents have been contacting Samaritan House for the past three months to sign up to receive the donated backpacks and school supplies.
Nearly 60 volunteers from various community groups handed out school supplies at Saturday's event.
“As the price of gasoline, groceries and other essential items increases each week, we see continued high demand for our services,” said Bart Charlow, CEO of Samaritan House.
She also noted that her clients' families have been struggling with economic hardship since before the pandemic.
“We are also seeing new customers every week as the economy falters and basic needs are out of reach for more people. That’s why we are thrilled to provide all the supplies children need to thrive in school and take that financial burden off the shoulders of their families.”
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