Community Unites to Prepare Low Income Youth for School

(Cupertino, CA) – Back to school shopping is a staple of childhood, as children and their parents prepare for the upcoming school year with new clothes, shoes, backpacks and school supplies. But each year, children living in poverty in the West Valley are denied this experience. As a result, youth in Kindergarten through 12th grade start school in shoes that are too small, pants with holes, or clothing that isn’t seasonally appropriate. This can negatively impact a child’s physical, emotional, and social well-being.

Scheduled for Saturday August 6 at Kohls (525 East Hamilton Avenue, Campbell), the West Valley Community Services Back to School Shopping Spree was created to make sure that every child has the clothing and supplies they need to start the school year off right.

“Children in low income or homeless households face so many challenges - educational, emotional, and economic - that place them at a significant disadvantage as compared to their peers,” says Josh Selo, Executive Director of West Valley Community Services. “When a family is already unable to afford basic needs such as rent, gas, and food, they also struggle with giving their children basic items that are essential for school success.”

Founded over 20 years ago, the Back to School Shopping Spree has helped thousands of local children. This year’s event will provide 98 children between the ages of 5 and 18 with new clothing, shoes, a backpack and school supplies. More than 110 volunteers will be on hand to help the youth shop and select a backpack. Sponsors include the Rotary Club of Cupertino, the De Anza Kiwanis Club, the Cupertino Quota Club, the Cupertino Lions Club, Girls Scouts Service Unit 630 Day Camp, SILVAR, and individual donors in the community.

West Valley Community Services, Inc. (WVCS) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, community-based agency that has been providing direct assistance and referral services to the west valley communities of Santa Clara County for over 40 years. Founded in 1973, WVCS provides a continuum of basic needs, family support services and housing services including: information and referrals, food pantry, affordable housing, financial assistance, family support and case management services. Our service area comprises seven zip codes, including Cupertino (95014), Los Gatos (95030, 95032, 95030), Saratoga (95070), West San Jose (95129, 95130), and the surrounding mountain regions. Visit us online at www.wvcommunityservices.org.