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 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 increase each week, we see continued high demand for our services," said Bart Charlow, executive director of Samaritan House.
He noted that his clients' families have been struggling with economic hardship since before the pandemic.
"We're also seeing new customers every week as the economy falters and basic necessities are out of reach for more people. That's why we're thrilled to provide all the supplies children need to thrive in school and take that financial burden off their families' shoulders."
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