Over 550 children from low-income families received backpacks, school supplies and gift cards for new school clothing and shoes on Monday, July 23 at Community Service Agency’s (CSA) annual back-to-school distribution event. The event is administered through the agency’s Homeless Prevention Services department for client families, and is supported by Google, Inc. and the Dudley-Vehmeyer-Brown Memorial Foundation.

Following the selection of their new backpacks, children and their parents enjoyed ice cream provided by Baskin-Robbins at Shoreline in Mountain View.

“For families who are living paycheck to paycheck, the start of the school year can bring stress and worry over back-to-school expenses,” says CSA Associate Director Nicole Fargo-Nosich. “These families have to balance paying their rent and utilities, buying groceries and purchasing items to get the school year off to the right start for their children. The Backpacks & School Supplies Distribution event helps alleviate these stressors while equipping children with the supplies they need to succeed in school.”

“Empowering students with the tools they need to succeed is an extremely important mission,” says Google Public Affairs Manager Javier Gonzalez. “Google is happy to sponsor this event as a member of the Mountain View community and looks forward to continuing our relationship with CSA.”

“The Dudley-Vehmeyer-Brown Memorial Foundation is pleased to be able to provide support for the children of Mountain View through CSA’s annual backpack distribution program,” says Foundation Vice President Rebecca Wright.