LA VERNE/SAN DIMAS – One hundred and fifty Bonita Unified School District students are equipped with backpacks full of school supplies for the upcoming 2021-22 year, thanks to the efforts of Project Boon and the La Verne/San Dimas Educational Foundation.

The donated backpacks and school supplies were distributed to Bonita Unified students during a free meals drive-thru event on Aug. 11.

“Since the start of COVID-19 we have donated over 30,000 free meals to community members and 2,000 backpacks to students throughout San Bernardino and Orange County,” said Chris Suchanek, executive director of Project Boon and a former Bonita Unified student. “We are excited to forge this relationship with Bonita Unified, it’s a great first step to doing more in Los Angeles County, and for me personally, giving back to my hometown is an incredible and fulfilling opportunity.”

Project Boon is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering local communities through events that bring together committed individuals, organizations and underserved communities.

Alongside Alta Skinner, President of the La Verne/San Dimas Educational Foundation, Suchanek coordinated with Bonita Unified on how to best distribute 150 backpacks, each one brimming with new school supplies.

“On the same day that Project Boon delivered the backpacks to the Bonita Unified District Office, a parent had called asking if there would be any help provided for students in need of supplies,” Skinner said. “When it comes to serving students and families, whatever we can do to support them and let them know that we care, we are all for that.”

Bonita Unified reached out to parents, letting them know that backpacks were available for pick-up during the Aug. 11 free meals distribution.

“Our District is committed to supporting our parents and students, and it is community partnerships that help to make that commitment become a reality,” Board of Education President Chuck Coyne said. “Thank you to Project Boon and the La Verne/San Dimas Educational Foundation for helping prepare our students for the 2021-22 school year.”

Bonita Unified School District is preparing to welcome back students on Monday, Aug. 23 for the start of the 2021-22 school year, where all 13 campuses will open for in-person learning.

“Guided by our core values of equity, mastery and a focus on results, Bonita Unified is glad to be able to provide our students with backpacks and school supplies to support their return to the classroom,” Superintendent Carl Coles said. “Thank you to our community partners – the La Verne/San Dimas Educational Foundation and Project Boon – for your continued support of our students.”

PHOTO:

08.12.21_BUSD_BACKPACK1: Bonita Unified School District (from left to right) Executive Assistants Christine Froio and Delores Carone give out backpacks full of supplies – donated through the La Verne/San Dimas Educational Foundation and Project Boon – to parents and students during a special meal distribution drive-thru on Aug. 11 outside the District Office.