Organization Distributes 400 backpacks For Low-Income Students

SAN BERNARDINO>> To help low-income students start the school year on a track to succeed Arrowhead United Way, a volunteer-driven organization that supports health and human services, donated a total of 400 backpacks to the San Bernardino, Rialto and Colton School Districts. The backpacks were filled with donated school supplies generated through the United Way’s annual School Supply Drive held this summer. Back to school season is a period of time where children have the opportunity to develop social skills with other students, strengthen their thinking skills and push past the limitations and stereotypes placed upon them. Many students in the Inland Empire have a seemingly impenetrable obstacle of coming from a low-income background and are not able to purchase the school supplies that they need. “Students’ success in the classroom is key to ending the poverty cycle in our community,” said Doug Rowand, Arrowhead United Way President. “Education is one of the key building blocks of our society. Without it our future leaders have nothing to climb upon to reach their full potential.” Studies have shown students who have low-income backgrounds often face overwhelming challenges different from their peers that come from higher economic statuses. Those who live in poverty often have higher stress levels than the average student, which leads to a lack of concentration, slow memory and eventually teenage depression. All of these effects of poverty can completely overpower a student and negatively impact their ability to learn in most settings. Groups such as Inland Empire Job Corps and BNSF recognized this major issue in the community and came together to help organize and stuff the donated school supplies into the backpacks. All of the supplies were donated by generous supporters including Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, McLane Southern California, ITT Technical Institute, Target Distribution, BNSF Railway Company, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, Under Armour Distribution Center, California State University of San Bernardino, Inland Empire Job Corps and individuals throughout the community. “As these children move forward with their education, it is Arrowhead United Way’s goal to build that child’s confidence by helping them to be prepared for any obstacles they may encounter,” Rowand said. For more information on how to give, advocate or volunteer with Arrowhead United Way, please call (909) 884-9441 or visit: www.arrowheadunitedway.org.