More than 400 area students were given a running start for the upcoming school year when they were presented with free backpacks loaded with school supplies Saturday in an upbeat gathering in Watsonville Plaza.
Thanks to the Salvation Army in Watsonville, Freedom Rotary Club, Scouting America and others, swarms of kids and their families lined up for the annual giveaway that included new colorful backpacks stuffed with pencils, notepads, glue, binders and other classroom tools for the school year, which for Pajaro Valley Unified School District starts Aug. 13.
“We want to make sure that every youth has equal opportunities starting school with the right resource so they can make sure they stay ahead of what the schools are doing and making sure they are planned and prepared,” said Trina Coffman-Gomez, advisory board of Rotary Club of Freedom and District Chair for Scouting America. “This is just a way to give back to the community.”
Information tables were sprinkled around the plaza, including a mobile van from the Environmental Science Workshop. To kick the event off, the local folklórico dance group Estrellas de Esperanza, performed a number of traditional Mexican dances.
“There are so many things the Salvation Army helps our community with, including hot meals seven nights a week for those in need — typically 80 to 130 people — and meals to take home on several holidays,” Coffman-Gomez said. “We just want to make sure that all families, regardless of their situation, if they need help, we’re here to be able to provide that.”
