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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(September 24, 2020)
Contact: James Bolden, 323-485-8708
Supervisor Kathryn Barger and Department of Public Social Services to Distribute Backpacks, School Supplies and Books to Students
 WHAT: Los Angeles County Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger will join Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) Director Antonia Jiménez and DPSS Toy Loan Program staff to distribute back-to-school essentials to low-income children, ages 5 through 17, as part of the department’s annual Backpack & School Supply Giveaway. DPSS will provide 400-plus backpacks to students from households receiving benefits from DPSS.
In addition to books supplied by the LA County Library, each child will be provided with footwear from Shoes That Fit, a non-profit organization that provides low-income children returning to school with new athletic shoes, and snacks donated by the Pasadena Trader Joe’s and the Altadena Grocery Outlet.
Each backpack contains age-appropriate school supplies, including rulers, pens, pencils, notebooks, calculators, erasers and more. All items will be placed into vehicles to allow all participants to safely practice physical distancing.
Due to the financial impact of COVID-19 on the local economy, this year’s distribution is needed more than ever to ensure that students have the tools necessary for a successful school year. DPSS thanks LA County Library for their support and for encouraging children to read.
WHEN: Monday, September 28, 2020 at 3 p.m.
WHERE: Farnsworth Park - 568 Mount Curve Ave, Altadena CA 91001
ABOUT TOY LOAN PROGRAM:
The DPSS Toy Loan Program is a voluntary community effort sponsored and supported by the Board of Supervisors. The program was created in 1935 during the Great Depression as a free service to allow low-income children to borrow toys from a DPSS Toy Lending Library in the same manner that books are borrowed from a public library. Children who participate develop a sense of responsibility through the observance of an honor code and merit system that rewards them when toys are returned on time and undamaged. The program currently serves 30,000 children a month at 50 centers throughout the County.
ABOUT DPSS:
Serving 3.5 million customers in L.A. County, the Department of Public Social Services is the largest local social services agency in the nation. The department provides benefits and services to families and individuals, including CalFresh food and nutrition assistance; Medi-Cal health, dental and vision insurance; financial and homeless assistance for qualifying individuals through the General Relief program and for families through the CalWORKs program; In-Home Supportive Services for disabled and elderly residents, and employment and supportive services to help residents prepare for the labor market. For more information, visit www.dpss.lacounty.gov.
"Please note that this giveaway is not open to the public. The event is intended for children of families receiving DPSS benefits who were referred by their case manager. Due to a limited inventory of backpacks, we are no longer accepting additional appointments. All time slots have been filled at this time."
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