By Dianne Anderson

Coming out of pocket for backpacks with supplies can run families anywhere from $50 to $100 at retail, and that’s a big ask for families already living paycheck to paycheck.

But just the thought of getting something free is bringing out long lines locally and tens of thousands of families nationally, all waiting for basic school necessities.

Now that the kids are out of the pool, Pat Dixon is getting them ready for back to school.

Since she first started giving away backpacks 10 years ago, she sees how much the need has grown. Families are now stretched thinner than ever, pressured into survival mode while dealing with the high costs of clothes and school supplies.

“Back-to-school season is supposed to feel exciting, but for many of the families we serve in North Long Beach, it carries a weight that is hard to describe. When a parent has to choose between groceries and school supplies, that stress lands on the child. We show up so that families do not have to make that choice alone,” said Dixon, executive director of the nonprofit Pools of Hope.

Best known for its community fun and wellness programs, Pools of Hope’s annual backpack giveaway has grown into more than a school supply event. The organization serves more than 2,000 local children annually with tutoring, asthma treatments and school essentials, all while moving tens of thousands of bags of groceries weekly into the community through its food pantry.

On Saturday, August 15, the 11th Annual Free Back-to-School Event, in partnership with the College Square Neighborhood Association, will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 6801 Long Beach Blvd. while supplies last.

There, families can receive free backpacks, school supplies, groceries, free swim access for youth ages 5 to 17, asthma education and screenings, and a free meal. Offerings from their summer camp program will also continue into the new school year for participating youth.

Dixon said the simple back-to-school drive based on their whole-life philosophy becomes a powerful community connection.

“Families leave with supplies for their children, food for their tables, health information they can use, and the memory of their kids splashing in the pool before school starts. That combination of practical support and joy is powerful. We want every family who walks through our doors to feel seen, supported, and hopeful about the year ahead,” she said.

Dixon said their nonprofit’s work is built through partnerships that recognize the need for long-term community services, including the City of Long Beach, Los Angeles County, Long Beach Community Development, Long Beach City College, Congresswoman Barragán’s office, and New York Life.

“This year, asthma screenings and education are made possible through the generous support of the Port of Long Beach, which speaks to the kind of intentional, health-focused partnership that makes our events more than just a giveaway. It is a genuine wellness experience for the whole family,” she said.

For many families, the backpack is a small part of a much bigger problem. At LBUSD, 63.4% of district students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals, according to a CDE-based Kidsdata profile, and Long Beach CAP reports that one-third of children ages 5 to 17 live in poverty in the city.

By press time, the district had not posted a public backpack giveaway announcement or online registration link.

Around town, other organizations are making back-to-school resources available to families.

On Saturday, August 1, families can level up their school-day wardrobe at the Billie Jean King Main Library’s first-ever Back to School giveaway from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 200 W. Broadway in Long Beach.

That event is reaching preschool and elementary-aged children, featuring a uniform swap. Attendees are encouraged to bring clean, gently used uniforms to trade for a fresh start.

Besides the exchange, the library will distribute school supplies while supplies last, along with afternoon outdoor activities including crafts, a performance by musician Craig Newton, and access to community partners with additional family resources.

This year, instead of hosting its massive single-day backpack festival as it has in the past, the L.A. Care and Blue Shield Promise Community Resource Center in North Long Beach has changed its approach.

Over the next couple of weeks, they will distribute 1,500 backpacks with school supplies across several smaller events. Backpacks will be given directly to participants who attend scheduled workshops and classes designed for children, teens, and families.

Mayra Suarez, a spokesperson with L.A. Care, said their network of 14 sites across Los Angeles County offers free, year-round workshops, health education and Medi-Cal enrollment assistance, with services available to all residents.

“Over the next couple of weeks, we are hosting various workshops and classes for children, teens and families and we will be giving backpacks away. We encourage community members to check our monthly calendar regularly for event details,” she said.

Other resources, free workshops and classes are available year-round to help families and individuals connect to information and support. The Center also helps families navigate the healthcare system. Medi-Cal enrollment support services are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Appointments are available, and walk-ins are always welcome.

“They assist with enrolling in Medi-Cal, explain upcoming program changes, help community members understand how those changes may affect their healthcare coverage, and guide them through the steps needed to maintain access to care,” she said.

Some specific workshops require prior registration and all are handled on a first-come, first-served basis. For this year’s distributions, reviewing the daily schedule at 5599 Atlantic Avenue is the only way to pinpoint exact dates and times.

With this series of events, the organization said it is energized about the offerings and support it is bringing to the community.

Last year, L.A. Care Health Plan and Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan gave away more than 19,000 backpacks filled with school supplies at more than 30 free events across Los Angeles County, bringing their total since 2019 to nearly 100,000 backpacks.

“By bringing trusted information, health education, and essential back-to-school resources directly into the communities where families live, work, and play, the Center equips parents and caregivers with the knowledge they need to help keep children healthy and ready to succeed in school,” she said.

For more information, see:

1.) Pools of hope: https://caaquatictherapy.com/

1.) Billie Jean King Library: https://www.longbeach.gov/library/events/billie-jean-king/

2.) L.A. Care and Blue Shield Promise Community Resource Center visit https://www.communityresourcecenterla.org/longbeach