Backpacks For Banning Kids: School District Event Brings Full Smiles, Hearts & School Supplies

BANNING, CA — Nearly 1,000 students, families, staff, volunteers, and community members gathered at the Banning High School Gym on Saturday, August 1, for the Banning Unified School District's Back-to-School Celebration, an event dedicated to ensuring every student begins the new school year prepared, connected, and ready for success.

"The celebration brought together every Banning Unified school, District departments, and dozens of community partners to provide families with valuable resources, health services, school information, and opportunities to connect before the first day of school," the school district spokesperson told Patch.

At the event, the District distributed 1,500 free backpacks to students.

"Families had the opportunity to choose from more than 90 different backpack designs, allowing students to begin the school year with a backpack that reflected their own personality and style," they said.

The event encourages student engagement, he said. "Every student received a Student Success Card."

There were also interactive stations throughout the event to connect with District departments and community organizations, meet their principals, learn about school programs, and explore the many resources available to support their success throughout the school year.

Families enjoyed a variety of services and activities, including:

• Free backpack distribution featuring more than 90 backpack styles
• District and community resource booths
• Meet-and-greet opportunities with principals and school staff
• School site information
• On-site immunizations
• On-site dental services
• Mobile medical services provided by Health Service Alliance
• Food trucks, Kona Ice, and Sip Station

The event also featured exciting giveaways for students, including 12 bicycles, more than 20 raffle baskets donated by the Sun Lakes Community, and numerous additional prizes. Throughout the morning, the Banning High School Cheer Team, Color Guard, and Band welcomed families with spirited performances, helping create an exciting atmosphere to kick off the 2026–27 school year.

According to Superintendent Terrance Davis, the celebration was "a reflection of what happens when an entire community comes together for students," Davis said. "From our schools and District staff to our community partners and volunteers, every person played a role in helping students feel welcomed, supported, and prepared for the year ahead. This is what moving from belonging to impact looks like—creating opportunities that ensure every student starts the school year with confidence and the resources they need to succeed."

The District has partnered with the Riverside County Supervisor's Office, Blue Zones Project Banning, Riverside County Office of Education, Infinite Church, and the Sun Lakes Community.

"Infinite Church generously provided hamburgers for event volunteers, the Riverside County Office of Education donated backpacks, and the Sun Lakes Community created and donated more than 20 raffle baskets for students," Davis said.

Community partners participating in the celebration included:
● Health Service Alliance
● Riverside University Health System
● IEHP
● Faith in Action
● Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Pass
● Banning Library District
● Riverside County Public Library – Cabazon Library
● Right At School
● Boys & Girls Club of San Gorgonio
● Think Together