VENTURA COUNTY — As part of a first-ever statewide collaboration with MENTOR California, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) is hosting a Back 2 School Backpack Drive that will equip over 1,500 students in the Ventura County community with the tools necessary for educational success. Essential school supplies will be provided by the Rotary Clubs of Ventura County. Backpacks will be donated by NBA and NFL state franchises, community partners such as PODS, and other local nonprofit agencies such as Kids & Families Together and Safe Passage. BBSVC will also sign up youth for the agency’s one-to-one mentoring program that builds college and career readiness, socioemotional health, and a sense of belonging and connectedness.
Joining Big Brothers Big Sisters in organizing the drive in Ventura County is the region’s Rotary collective – four Rotary groups that make up all 20 clubs across the county. BBSVC, Kids & Families Together, Safe Passage, and Rotary have organized backpack-stuffing and distribution events in each area of the county, arranging careful health precautions against COVID-19 during these events.
In addition, PODS is supporting the campaign through media outreach, encouraging community members to match donations of backpacks and school supplies by shopping for BBSVC at their Back 2 School Amazon wishlist or making a donation directly to the agency.
“This school year represents hope for our youth to return to safe and familiar learning environments,” says Lynne West, BBSVC CEO. “By collaborating with Rotary and our community partners, we can celebrate our students and ensure that they have what they need to start the school year off right.”
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) has been serving youth in the area through one-to-one mentoring relationships for over 50 years. A leading organization since 1970, BBSVC is a gold standard and quality award affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBS), the nation’s oldest, largest, and most effective youth mentoring program.