Lancaster, CA. July 29, 2024– Lancaster is celebrating the back-to-school season with a citywide Backpack Giveaway on August 3! This exciting opportunity for families is back for its second year as staff and volunteers will distribute backpacks at various hubs throughout the City. Each hub will be hosted by a partner organization and will host a variety of fun and unique activities.

"As we gear up for another exciting school year, we are thrilled to bring back the citywide Backpack Giveaway, an event that reflects Lancaster's unwavering commitment to supporting our students and families," said Mayor R. Rex Parris. "This giveaway is more than just backpacks – it's about fostering community connections, ensuring our children have the tools they need to succeed, and promoting their health and well-being. We invite all families to join us for a day of fun, resources, and a celebration of learning."

In addition to free backpacks, the hubs at Sol Plaza and Park View Educational Complex will host an immunization station where students can receive their back-to-school immunizations. Children must be VFC-eligible (Medi-Cal eligible, uninsured, not insured, or American Indian/Native American), and a parent or guardian must be present on-site to sign medical consent for any child getting vaccinated. Select backpack hubs will offer additional health services, including health and dental screenings, mental health assessments, and car seat workshops.

The upcoming backpack giveaway is made possible by several event sponsors, including Antelope Valley College MESA, Blue Shield of California Promise Plan, First 5 LA, Edwards Federal Credit Union, and Kaiser Permanente.

Backpack giveaway hubs will be located at:

• Park View Educational Complex (44327 Fig Ave)
• Eastside Pool at Deputy Pierre W. Bain Park (45045 5th St E)
• Westside Union School District (3310 W Ave L8)
• Lancaster Community Center (44611 Yucca Ave)
• Sole of the CommUNITY (1140 Commerce Center Dr)
• Penny Lane Centers (43520 Division St)
• Children's Center of the Antelope Valley (45111 Fern Ave)

Don’t miss your chance to prepare for the new school year! Registration is available on Eventbrite: Backpack Giveaway 2024

Learn more about the backpack giveaway by visiting www.cityoflancasterca.gov/backpacks.

About the City of Lancaster, CA

Lancaster is a diverse community of nearly 170,000, leading the future through science, technology, art, culture, and collaboration. Home to astronauts, rocket scientists, families, and innovative businesses large and small, we are leading the USA with innovation. Combined with spectacular landscapes and clean air, Lancaster has the confidence, expertise, spirit, and imagination to transform tomorrow. We are: Creating a better tomorrow. Visit us at www.cityoflancasterca.gov.

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