Nearly 99,000 free backpacks will have been given away at annual events since the start of the health plans’ five-year partnership in 2019
LOS ANGELES – L.A. Care Health Plan and Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan Community Resource Centers are giving away up to 18,000 backpacks this summer at their annual Back-to-School events taking place July 2 through August 17. There are 16 events scheduled across Los Angeles County, which are free and open to the entire community.
The free backpacks – filled with an assortment of basic school supplies like notebooks, pens and pencils – help students be better prepared for the new school year, but also serve as cost-saving resources for many families who are having trouble making ends meet.
“As a health plan that understands the link between social needs and overall health and well-being, we are thrilled to provide backpacks and essential school supplies to countless families who continue to feel the pinch from the ever-growing cost of living,” said L.A. Care CEO John Baackes. “When students are better prepared for school, they are more confident and more likely to succeed in school, and that’s a big win for everyone.”
The summer events are taking place primarily at the health plans’ jointly operated Community Resource Centers, with a couple of events hosted at offsite locations, including a local park and a public housing development.
“Academic excellence and creating peace of mind for students starts by empowering them with the right school supplies, yet we know that for many families the back-to-school season may bring added stress due to financial challenges,” said Kristen Cerf, Blue Shield Promise President and CEO. “Preparing students for a successful school year also includes bringing resources to their communities. Our Community Resource Centers offer mental health workshops, Google Tech classes, homework and GED assistance, reading book clubs, and other valuable resources for the entire family.”
In addition to free backpacks, each event will offer its own set of unique activities and offerings, such as wall climbing, face painting, obstacle courses, food pantries, children’s health screenings and vaccinations.
The 18,000 backpacks being given out this year add to nearly 81,000 backpacks distributed since 2019. In 2019, the two health plans announced a five-year, $146 million commitment to open and operate 14 Community Resource Centers that address local health, behavioral, and social needs. Currently, 12 existing centers offer a wide range of free fitness and wellness classes, health-focused programs, and services that are open to health plan members and the public to enhance the community’s overall well-being. The health plans will open two additional locations by year-end 2024 for a total of 14 centers, serving some of the most under-resourced communities in L.A. County.
Learn more by visiting the Community Resource Centers website.
Below is the full schedule of events:
Tuesday, July 2
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Community Resource Center in Wilmington
911 N. Avalon Blvd., Wilmington, CA 90744
Wednesday, July 3
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Community Resource Center in Wilmington
911 N. Avalon Blvd., Wilmington, CA 90744
Wednesday, July 10
1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Community Resource Center in Wilmington
911 N. Avalon Blvd., Wilmington, CA 90744
Friday, July 12
12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Community Resource Center in East L.A.
4801 Whittier Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90022
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Community Resource Center in Wilmington
911 N. Avalon Blvd., Wilmington, CA 90744
Saturday, July 13
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Community Resource Center in Pomona
696 W. Holt Ave., Pomona, CA 91768
Friday, July 19
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Community Resource Center in Lynwood
3200 E. Imperial Hwy., Lynwood, CA 90262
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Community Resource Center in Wilmington
911 N. Avalon Blvd., Wilmington, CA 90744
Saturday, July 20
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Community Resource Center in Panorama City
7868 Van Nuys Blvd., Panorama City, CA 91402
Saturday, July 27
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Community Resource Center in Long Beach
5599 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach, CA 90805
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Mar Vista Gardens
11965 Allin St., Culver City, CA 90230
Thursday, August 1
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Community Resource Center in Metro L.A.
1233 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90006
Friday, August 2
5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
William J. McAdam Park
38115 30th St. E., Palmdale, CA 93550
Saturday, August 3
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Community Resource Center in Norwalk
11721 Rosecrans Ave., Norwalk, CA 90650
Friday, August 9
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Community Resource Center in El Monte
3570 Santa Anita Ave., El Monte, CA 91731
Saturday, August 17
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Community Resource Center in Inglewood
2864 W. Imperial Hwy., Inglewood, CA 90303