Child & Family Center and Local Elks Lodge Equip Students for Success with Annual Backpack Donation

300 backpacks donated to Child & Family Center clients, plus additional distributions through CORE Outreach & Prevention programs

Back-to-school season was brighter for hundreds of local students this year thanks to the generosity of the Santa Clarita Elks Lodge 2379 and the outreach efforts of the Child & Family Center.

Continuing a cherished tradition, the Elks Lodge donated brand-new backpacks to Child & Family Center clients. Each backpack was filled with essential school supplies, ensuring that children have the tools they need to succeed in the classroom.

“The Elks have been there for our kids year after year, and their commitment truly makes a difference,” said Nikki Buckstead, President and CEO of Child & Family Center. “These backpacks send a powerful message that our community believes in every child’s potential.”

In addition to the Elks’ donation, the Center’s CORE Outreach and Prevention programming distributed backpacks to students in need across the community:

In the Antelope Valley they provided 140+ backpacks to families at Hope the Mission shelter, in partnership with Parents Anonymous, All for Kids, and Antelope Valley Partners for Health. Families also received access to educational resources and learned healthy coping skills to help prevent substance use.

74 backpacks were distributed to students registering at Sierra Vista Junior High School. Students participated in interactive activities highlighting the effects of substance use on learning, as well as techniques to manage school-related stress.

The Child & Family Center extends heartfelt thanks to the Elks Lodge for their annual generosity, to community partners for their support, and to staff and volunteers for making this year’s back-to-school season a success. Learn more at www.childfamilycenter.org.

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