South Bay Backpack Drive Helps Provide Students With Needed Supplies

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Ahead of the 2023 back-to-school season, South Bay-based Kinecta Federal Credit Union is hosting its annual backpack drive to provide aid for underserved families.

According to the National Retail Federation, families spent an average of $864.35 on back-to-school shopping, which could put a significant financial burden on families with limited resources. Officials at Kinecta said in a time of recession fears, inflation and tight budgets, the need for a backpack drive is at a critical high.

“Our annual back-to-school drive is a testament to our unwavering commitment to helping prepare students in our community with the tools that they need to succeed,” said Latrice McGlothin, Executive Director of the Kinection Community Foundation. “As a credit union that prioritizes our community, we firmly believe in investing in the education and future of our young people."

Since its first backpack drive launched in 2010, Kinecta has helped provide nearly 7,000 students with much-needed school supplies. The 14th annual backpack drive this year aims to collect and fill 800 more backpacks for children in grades three through 12.

Community members who wish to donate to the backpack drive can help by supplying new and unused backpacks and school supplies through Kinecta's Amazon Wish List or at any local branch through July 27.

"With the public’s help, we hope our contributions provide much-needed resources and aid to ensure that students achieve their academic goals," McGlothin said.