YMCA Backpack Drive Provides Over 900 Backpacks and Supplies to Students in Need

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. - Aug. 10, 2016 - PRLog -- The YMCA's annual Backpack Drive is aimed at helping elementary kids across Orange County, Riverside County and San Gabriel Valley start the school year off with a new backpack full of supplies so they have the essentials needed to feel confident in their learning environment. Donations were collected at local YMCA's, corporations, and nonprofits over the last 3 weeks with some organizations even hosting stuffing parties to ensure that each backpack was full of supplies.

This year, with the help of community partners, the Y collected over 900 backpacks which are currently being distributed to families in need throughout Orange County, Riverside County and San Gabriel Valley. The following community organizations and companies provided tremendous support by collecting backpacks and holding stuffing events where they engaged their employees in this volunteer effort: MBK Real Estate Companies, Anaheim Ducks - Honda Center Foundation, Bolton and Company, South Shores Church in Laguna Niguel, Snyder-Langston, OC Water District, Luxe Aesthetic and Wellness Center, Paycom, Tom Lambert and Staff from Ashbrook-Clevidence, Deloitte Advisory, Caltrol and US Real Estate Services.

Each year this drive has grown thanks to the outpouring of support from the community. "It's amazing to see the support for this initiative grow, every child should be ready to start the school year out strong and confident and seeing the joy on the children's faces when they receive the school supplies is just fantastic. We are blessed to live in Southern California, but this drive is an important reminder that we have neighbors that are in need and we all have the ability and willingness to help. Without the support of our staff and volunteers and the generous donations from our members and community partners, we wouldn't have been able to make this happen", said Jeff McBride, YMCA of Orange County President & CEO.

The YMCA of Orange County has been listening and responding to the communities' most critical social needs for more than a century. YMCA community service projects like the backpack drive unite us as a community to provide essential support for those in need, and provide volunteer and giving opportunities accessible to all.

Donating to the YMCA does not end with delivering backpacks and supplies to children. You can make a contribution year-round to the YMCA's Annual Campaign at http://www.ymcaoc.org/annual-campaign/.

View pictures from this year's backpack drive on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ocymca/.

To learn more about YMCA service and volunteer opportunities, visit http://www.ymcaoc.org


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ABOUT YMCAOC/YMCARC/YMCASGV: At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y serves Orange County, Riverside County, and San Gabriel Valley through seven (7) Health & Wellness locations (Laguna Niguel, Newport Beach, Mission Viejo, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, Murrieta, and Santa Ana).  With an additional 150 after school programs, summer camps, sports & swim programs, Adventure Guides parent/child groups, and programs for youth and adults with special needs, YMCAOC is committed to serving our growing and diverse community needs.

YMCA staff and volunteers celebrate and honor common values of respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring by infusing character development into the foundation and practice of all our programs. From youth basketball and swim classes to fitness programs and resident camp, Y programs build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The YMCA of Orange County is a nonprofit, charitable organization that serves the entire community. Donations support our scholarship program and Our Promise – To strive to keep programs open for all. Whether you are looking to get fit, give back, or meet new friends, the Y has something for you! JOIN PLAY GIVE VOLUNTEER www.ymcaoc.org  www.ymcarc.org  www.ymcasgv.org