Back to School Event for San Gabriel Valley Families
The annual event is taking place August 20, 2009 at the Santa Anita Race Track in Arcadia.
Foothill Unity Center, with offices in Monrovia and Pasadena, is expecting a dramatic increase of children over previous years from elementary through high school ages to stop in and shop with their families for the back to school items they need but can't afford at normal retail prices.
Featured items include backpacks of every style and color so each child has his or her own unique look. Gift cards to Payless Shoe Stores are also made available along with school supplies such as calculators and ruled notebooks. Boys will be able to receive haircuts while girls can receive manicures.
Executive director Joan Whitenack of the Foothill Unity Center says the day is fun and kids say it's like a super mall especially for them.
The children come from qualified families needing assistance from Foothill Unity Center, a community action agency in the San Gabriel Valley.
Up to 120 children are scheduled for entry in to the shopping area every half hour starting at 9am.
School uniforms are available as needed for grades kindergarten through 8th grade while high school clothing is also available for freshman through seniors.
Participating organizations sending volunteers, providing grants and donating items include:
- Citrus College cosmetology department
- Azusa Pacific University nursing students
- Monrovia Reads
- USC Medical School
- Outlet store ELS in Monrovia
- Southern California Edison
- Ronald McDonald house
Throughout the year, Foothill Unity offers nutritional help through food distribution, refers job seekers to reputable agencies and is now actively providing health services.
A full listing of services is available on Foothill Unity's web site, www.foothillunitycenter.org, or through the State of California Department of Community Services and Development.
Foothill Unity Center was founded in 1980 by Josephine Anderson and is supported by businesses, volunteers, service clubs, churches and community grants.
The organization donated over 2,000,000 pounds of food to over 2,200 unduplicated, low-income families. More than 70% are children and seniors according to statistics on the organization's web site. But many more are coming from the ranks of unemployed middle class where both the husband and wife lost their jobs at the same time.
Most recipients only need help temporarily until they get re-established in the job market.
Foothill Unity Center staff offer help enthusiastically and believe in treating each recipient with dignity and respect. For volunteer inquiries, contact the organization directly through its web site.
Published by Don Simkovich
Works with small business owners to keep them healthy and run healthy businesses. Don interviews small business owners, writes about those who shape the culture around Los Angeles, and journals his hikes and... View profile
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2 Comments
Post a CommentInteresting place :)
What a wonderful idea. Yeah, those school supplies can get really expensive. This will help a lot of families. You never know when you'll need something like this, especially if you are a single parent.