SBCSS News and Press Releases

County Schools' Homeless Education Receives 1,920 Backpacks, Supplies

2011-08-02

SAN BERNARDINO - The Children Deserve Success Homeless Education program of the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools will begin distributing a shipment of 1,920 backpacks donated by the national organization, Feed The Children, to homeless students in the county's 33 school districts. The backpacks are stuffed with accompanying school supplies, books, snacks and hygiene products.

Feed The Children, which is based in Oklahoma City, donated more than 133 million pounds of food and essentials across the United States in fiscal year 2010. The organization delivered its backpacks and supplies to County Schools' Homeless Education program on Aug. 1.

"With the start of school for many of our districts in the coming days, this is a tremendous gesture by Feed The Children on behalf of the students and families in San Bernardino County," County Superintendent Gary Thomas said. "We thank Feed The Children for its continued support of our students."

During the last reporting year, more than 22,000 homeless students were reported countywide, said Brenda Dowdy, County Schools' homeless education specialist.

"There is a tremendous need for our schools, students and their families for these types of donations. We wish there were more to give, but we are grateful to Feed The Children for the support it has shown," she said.

In January, Feed The Children donated 1,900 backpacks and supplies, which were distributed to county students.

Many of this year's supplies will be delivered over the next few days and weeks to districts and schools, which have reported to the County Schools' Homeless Education program.

"Unfortunately, there's much more demand for support for our students than our means to help everyone," Dowdy said. "There is a critical need to assist our most needy students and their families. We're glad that we are able to help any way we can."

For more information about the donations of the County Schools' Homeless Education program, contact Dowdy at (909) 386-2634.