First 5 San Bernardino hosted a drive-thru event on Aug. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to provide basic school supplies for preschoolers and kindergarteners.
“People told us they had bills and rent and couldn’t afford school supplies this year,” said LuCretia Dowdy, First 5 San Bernardino’s Community Engagement Specialist. “Clearly, there is a great need, and it was an honor for us to help fill that gap for these young children.”
The event was took place at the Ecclesia Christian Fellowship’s parking lot in San Bernardino. Over 535 backpacks and 600 Kinder Kits were given and included basic supplies such as scissors, crayons, pencils, glue sticks, large erasers, pencil boxes and a book.
“I really hope I get a blue one,” said Vasni Duran, 5, of San Bernardino of the array of backpack color choices. “Blue is my favorite color,” she said. Her mother, Helen Duran, 30, stated “it’s been a little bit hard lately,” and added that she was thankful to receive supplies for her little kids.
16 community organizations including SAC Health and IEHP also attended the event and were on hand to administer Covid-19 vaccinations.