George Leis, president of Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, in partnership with United Way of Santa Barbara County, presents new backpacks and school supplies to 65 2nd graders at La Patera Elementary School – part of an overall donation of 500 backpacks to students at 12 local schools throughout Santa Barbara County. Courtesy photo.
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Bank & Trust and United Way of Santa Barbara County have partnered for the second consecutive year to provide backpacks and school supplies to 500 Santa Barbara County students, the organizations reported this week in a media release.
About 65 second-graders at La Patera Elementary School received the first wave of backpacks on Aug. 31. The backpacks are being distributed to students in need at 12 local schools throughout south Santa Barbara County, compliments of SBB&T.
These back-to-school backpacks will assist underserved and low-income students who are not able to afford a quality backpack and find themselves challenged with carrying their textbooks and other educational materials and supplies throughout the school year, the organizations reported.
“Most of us remember well the excitement of starting the new school year with a new backpack and school supplies,” George S. Leis, president of Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, stated in the release. “Every student in our community deserves the chance to know how that feels and to not be worried about how they will carry their supplies back and forth to school. Some quality backpacks and basic school supplies will go a long way in making that first day a fun and positive experience and the school year just a little easier.”
Improving education is one of three major focus areas for United Way of Santa Barbara County. The organization is working to achieve a community driven 10-year goal to increase local high school graduation rates and the number of students reading at or above grade level in every grade by 50 percent. Getting backpacks to students who need them the most is just one piece of the larger picture.
“Organizations, businesses and individuals have the power to work together and improve local education” Paul Didier, president and CEO for United Way of Santa Barbara County, stated in the release. “To create change, especially long-term improvements, working together and living united is critical.”
Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, in partnership with United Way of Santa Barbara County, presented new backpacks and school supplies to 65 2nd graders at La Patera Elementary School – part of an overall donation of 500 backpacks to students at 12 local schools throughout Santa Barbara County. Courtesy photo.