Across California, CDCR and CCHCS staff help students go back to school by donating supplies, backpacks, and money.
SAC donates school supplies
California State Prison, Sacramento (SAC), held their annual school supply drive July 14 through Aug. 7. SAC staff collected supplies for local elementary schools and delivered them on their first day of school. According to organizers, this is an effort staff look forward to every year.
Supplies included binders, pencils, paper, and other basics.
Submitted by SAC staff
CIM collects over 200 backpacks stuffed with supplies
On July 24, 2023, the California Institution for Men (CIM) along with the Chino Valley Employee’ Association (CVEA) hosted their Annual Back-to-School Supply Drive.
The event is a collaborative effort between CIM, CVEA, Chino Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) Hope Center. This year CIM and CVEA collected over 200 backpacks, rulers, binders, composition books, markers, crayons, glue sticks etc.
Liz Lara, Family Services Program Specialist of the CVUSD stated, “Thanks to the generosity of CIM and its amazing staff, this year’s event was a huge success.”
By Lt. Paul Ybarra, AA/PIO
California Institution for Men
CAL donates 155 backpacks to local school district
During July, Calipatria State Prison (CAL) staff collected backpacks filled with school supplies. In total, CAL staff collected 155 filled backpacks. While CAL’s original goal was 125, because of staff generosity, an additional 30 backpacks were delivered to schools serving Calipatria and Niland.
“We are proud that year after year, the Calipatria State Prison family steps up to ensure this event is a success,” said Warden (A) Roberto Arias.
The Latin American Club hosted the drive on Saturday, Aug. 5, benefiting children who attend Calipatria Unified School District.
“Our organization expresses its gratitude to each and every one of you who heard of the need and took the time to meet it,” said Angie Garcia, Calipatria Latin American Club President.
All of the backpacks were filled with school supplies such as binders, spiral notebooks, crayons, and other similar items.
This annual event has become a tradition at CAL, sparking friendly competition amongst the staff to see which department can donate the most backpacks.
“The month long preparation for this event is so much fun. The smiles on the faces of staff dropping-off donations are just as big as the smiles on the faces of the children selecting their brand new backpack during the event,” said Heather Duarte, Community Resources Manager.
Departments such as Facilities A,B,C and D, Central Operations, Investigative Services Unit, Healthcare and Non-Custody Staff, and many others throughout CAL joined together to raise money and school supplies to make this event happen.
The selfless generosity from CAL’s staff is a reminder of their commitment to neighboring communities, highlighting the importance placed on the success for the future of the children who live within them.
By Lt. Efren Uribe, AA/PIO
Calipatria State Prison