This year’s Backpack Drive was a resounding success thanks to the generosity of our incredible donors and the support of dedicated Pacific Clinics employees and volunteers from the History Club of Los Gatos, the Rotary Club of Los Gatos and our own Community Leadership Board. Together, they assembled 800 backpacks for children and teens across Santa Clara County.
The lack of basic school supplies can make it difficult for students to complete classwork and homework, often causing them to fall behind academically. The Backpack Drive is designed to help ease that burden. Each backpack is thoughtfully filled with age-appropriate school supplies to equip students with the tools they need to thrive — giving them a confident and prepared start to the school year.
Once the backpacks were assembled, our dedicated clinical teams distributed them directly to families across more than 20 programs in Santa Clara County, including Foster Care & Adoptions, Addiction Prevention Services, School-Based Outpatient Program, Crisis Intervention and many others. Our shared goal remains clear: to reach as many families as possible and provide meaningful support for a successful academic year.
“It’s hard to imagine a child showing up on the first day of school without a backpack or the basic supplies they need,” said Bay Area Director of Development Maricris Morrison. “Without the right tools, it’s tough for any student to feel confident or ready to learn. But when we come together to fill these backpacks, we’re doing more than providing supplies — we’re sending a message that these kids matter and that their community is behind them. Everyone who pitches in plays a part in helping a child start the year strong.”
Families and children continue to express their gratitude. Many share that receiving these backpacks helps their children feel included and excited for the school year, especially when so many of their fellow classmates and peers arrive with new supplies.
