More than 350 Don Julian Elementary School first-, fourth- and fifth-grade students started their new school year with new backpacks stuffed with school supplies – including books, binders and markers – donated by Golden State Foods Foundation and two local churches.

“Thank you to Golden State Foods, Evergreen Church and Vida Church for your support in helping to provide our students with the necessary school supplies to have a productive school year,” Superintendent Alex Rojas said. “Your generosity is an example of the District’s community collaborations that help boost student success at an early age.”

The Golden State Foods Foundation donated about 100 backpacks to first-graders and provided each student with an introductory reading book, a box of tissues, markers and crayons. The organization has held a partnership with Don Julian since 2010 as part of a mission to improve the quality of life of families in communities where Golden State Foods associates live and work.

“We believe that the first grade is crucial to students’ educational careers because their fundamental lessons are building blocks for future academic success,” said Sonya Gomez, a Golden State Foods senior human resources manager. “We are happy to be a part of the success of the students in our community.”

Evergreen Church and Vida Church donated 250 backpacks to fourth- and fifth-grade students, including packs of colored pencils, markers and crayons, a calculator, a binder, lined paper, and a pencil box with pens and an eraser. The churches have donated backpacks with school supplies to different grade levels at Don Julian for five years.

“Our students were so ecstatic when they received their backpacks,” Don Julian Principal Martha Arceo said. “Our community partnerships offer an opportunity for our students to learn the importance of character, being good citizens and supporting their community.”

PHOTOS:

091316_BASSETT_BACKPACKS: Golden State Foods Foundation donated backpacks stuffed with school supplies to Don Julian Elementary School first graders.

###