500 Backpacks, 500 Kids: Inside Our Back-to-School Drive

The Goal

We set a goal of 500 backpacks this year. We wanted every one of them fully stocked — pencils, notebooks, calculators, headphones, lunch boxes — everything a South LA student needs to start the school year without worrying about whether their family could cover the list.

On August 9th, more than 60 volunteers showed up at the RNSLA Community Hub before noon. By 3 PM, every backpack was packed, labeled, and loaded for distribution to partner schools and community centers across the area. The barbecue afterward was earned.

How It Happened

The supply drive is funded by a combination of direct donations, corporate sponsor contributions, and funds raised throughout the year at RNSLA events. Member volunteers handled the packing, sorting, and distribution logistics. Local businesses donated supplies in bulk, and several RNSLA sponsors matched individual contributions dollar for dollar.

This is the event where you see the full range of what this club can do when it shows up. It is not a watch party and it is not a gala — it is just people putting things in backpacks for kids who need them. And somehow it is one of the most meaningful days on our calendar every single year.

Next Year

We are already setting the goal for 2027. If you want to volunteer, sponsor, or donate, the planning starts in the spring. Reach out to the RNSLA board or sign up on our website to be notified when volunteer registration opens.