Nonprofit sets out to help 5,000 Orange County students return to in-person classes with school supplies

The nonprofit Community Action Partnership is continuing its Backpacks for Success program, which is well into its 15th year.

The program collects funds or school supplies such as papers, pens, notebooks and folders to distribute to low-income students, some of which have returned to in-person learning.

“This past year has shown all of us just how resilient and strong our children and their parents are, and with in-person learning returning, we want to make sure we can ease the burden for a few of those in need,” said Gregory C. Scott, president and Chief Executive Officer of CAP OC, in a statement. “The impacts of the pandemic are long-lasting, and many students throughout our county do not have the supplies they need. We’re calling on the many generous members of our community to help us provide 5,000 kids with the supplies they need as they transition back to our new normal.”

For 15 years, CAP OC has delivered backpacks and school supplies throughout Central and North Orange County.

(Courtesy of Community Action Partnership)

Although in the past the nonprofit’s goal has been to serve about 1,500 to 2,000 students, this year the goal has been raised because the nonprofit is seeing an increased need.

The students served range from kindergarten to high school seniors throughout more than 30 Orange County schools. However, 80% are elementary school-aged students. Deliveries primarily take place through the nonprofit’s Family Resource Centers located in Anaheim, Orange and Santa Ana.

They will continue to collect donations through the beginning of the 2021-22 school year.

Community members, businesses and organizations who would like to donate or host a backpack drive, can visit capoc.org/backpacks for more information.

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