August 14, 2024, Vista, CA – On Friday, August 9th, nearly 400 students at Grapevine Elementary received a back-to-school starter kit courtesy of the Kids In Need Foundation and Toyota Carlsbad. The event was part of the Big Summer Giveback program, a partnership between the two organizations that is currently in its third year.
Students and families gathered to receive backpacks filled with school supplies, including folders, notebooks, pencils, crayons, and more. The event allowed students to fill their backpacks with each item as volunteers gathered to cheer them on and provide encouragement as the start of the school year approached.
Equipping Students For The New School Year
“This generous donation ensures that our students start the school year with the supplies they need to succeed,” says Myrna Hernandez, Principal of Grapevine Elementary. “We are grateful for the support of our community partners who share our commitment to empowering students and fostering a love for learning.”
Grapevine was selected among several North County schools by Toyota Carlsbad’s team. “In the early stages of planning, each [Toyota] dealership is provided with a list of schools in their prospective areas,” says Emily Pineda, the Events and Cause Marketing Coordinator for Kids in Need Foundation.
“Grapevine Elementary was one of the schools presented and the team at Toyota Carlsbad felt they could make the most impact with these backpacks at this school.” The nationwide campaign has donated more than $3.75 million in school supplies to over 140,000 K-12 students across the country.
Continues Hernandez, “This event highlights our theme for the school year “Champions of Hope and Joy” because all of our students deserve to have champions to pave the way for their academic success, personal growth, and bright futures filled with hope and joy.”
