Donate a Backpack to Help Pinole Students

As the school year rapidly approaches, support the students of the Pinole community by investing in their education and donating backpacks or school supplies to the Pinole Police Department’s Backpack Giveaway on Aug. 14 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

“We’re giving away FREE backpacks and school supplies to help local students start the school year strong! Supplies are limited, so come early! We are also accepting school supply donations,” the Pinole Police Department stated in a Facebook post.

Officer Jazmine Louis, Pinole’s Community Outreach Unit Officer, has organized this event for the past five years in hopes of bringing the community together.

The goal is to get as many sponsors and donations as possible, to not only contribute backpacks, but also school supplies to provide even more support to the community.

“Times are hard for a lot of people, so anyway that we can pull our community together to let them know that ‘Hey, we got your back, and if you need anything, you know we’re here for you,” said Officer Louis.

According to an online article posted by United Way, “Almost half the children attending U.S. public schools come from low-income families,” stated Naette Lee, Communications Manager at United Way.

There are 16 million students who do not have access to essential school supplies, meaning one in every four students cannot afford new supplies as the school year quickly approaches.

Most families have opted to shop earlier for supplies as rising tariffs threaten to hit America starting Aug. 1, according to an article posted by CNN.

Essential school supplies to donate for this event might include backpacks, notebooks, pens, pencils, binders, folders, rulers, hand sanitizers, and tissues.

In the future, Officer Louis wants to expand the giveaway to nearby cities so that students around the Bay Area have the supplies they need to be successful.

“Right now, it’s for our Pinole residents, but if we could do this countywide and give back to the entire county at one time, that would be absolutely amazing in my eyes,” said Officer Louis.

There is no age restriction or registration needed for this public event, however, it is on a first come, first served basis and all students are required to present a valid ID or proof of residency in Pinole.

Supply drop-offs are accepted inside the Police Department lobby during operating hours where someone will collect them.

For any questions or concerns about supply donations, please contact the Pinole Police Department Community Outreach via email or call (510) 914-0480.