20th Annual Back-to-School Drive delivers record backpack donations, supporting educational readiness for underserved K-12 students

MILPITAS, Calif., Sept. 29, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Family Giving Tree today is announcing results from their annual Back-to-School Drive, which supports educational readiness for K-12 students who qualify for the federal Free and Reduced Price Lunch Program.  During the organization's 20^th annual Drive, a total of 36,720 supply-filled backpacks were delivered to Bay Area schools and nonprofit agencies, exceeding initial expectations. 

Approximately 4,000 more backpacks were delivered during this year's Back-to-School Drive, extending the organization's reach to even more students throughout the Bay Area where one out of every four children lives below the poverty line.  Lacking the educational tools required for learning, these students often fall farther and farther behind their peers. Tragically, on average only 9% of children living in low-income households will go on to earn a college degree.  To help create hopeful futures for students living in need, the Family Giving Tree is committed to building a path out of poverty for children through education.

"By providing backpacks filled with the essential school supplies students need, we are able to give these economically disadvantaged children hope, joy, and the opportunity to narrow the achievement gap," said Jennifer Cullenbine, Queen Elf and Executive Director of the Family Giving Tree.  "An important part of our mission has always been to provide students with not only school supplies, but the hope to change their future and make it bright with possibility.  We are honored by the outpouring of donations and the financial support within our community to support the cause of education for children."

Family Giving Tree distributed backpacks to more than 270 Bay Area K-12 schools and nonprofit agencies that provide educational and social services support to students who qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced Price Lunch Program.

For information on how you can support Family Giving Tree through volunteer service, leading your own drive or donating, visit: www.familygivingtree.org/.

Headquartered in Milpitas, California, the Family Giving Tree is celebrating 25 years of bringing hope and joy to those in need through their annual Back-to-School and Holiday Wish Drives.

Family Giving Tree Press Contact
Alene Ipsaro
Marketing & Communications Director
[email protected] 
(408) 946-3111 x200

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150928/271322

SOURCE The Family Giving Tree

Related Links

http://www.familygivingtree.org

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