SAN MATEO, Calif. - Marylandian -- On Saturday, August 3^rd, hundreds of Bay Area children in grades K-12 will receive new backpacks filled with school supplies for the upcoming school year.  Over 2,000 backpacks will be distributed this summer to eligible low-income students whose families are registered to utilize services at Samaritan House.

Where: Samaritan House Kids Closet, 1^st Floor, 4031 Pacific Blvd. San Mateo, CA 94403

When:  Saturday, August 3 at 9:00 AM, event runs until 1:00 PM.

The supplies for the backpacks are donated by local companies, small businesses, community groups, church groups, student groups as well as individuals that want to ensure these students go back to school with everything that they need. The backpacks are age appropriate and include items such as felt-tip markers, notebooks, paper, rulers, pencils, pens and more.

"As with all of our services Samaritan House provides to the children of the "working poor" families in our community, starting the school year with a backpack full of the supplies makes these kids feel like every other child in their class," said Bart A. Charlow, LMFT, Samaritan House CEO. "The backpacks and supplies help to boost their confidence and makes them eager and excited to learn. This program is a very big deal for them.  Gifting these children school supplies also brings major savings for their parents, who can spend those dollars on other necessary items and services for their family.  The encouragement these students receive through the donations from community members and organizations that make this backpack distribution possible, goes a long way to build their self-esteem."

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About Samaritan House:

Since 1974, Samaritan House has become San Mateo County's leading nonprofit that brings a new level of hope, dignity, and empowerment to people living in poverty as we fulfill immediate needs and guide people toward self-reliance. Recognized as a role model in the community, we are the largest truck-to-table food distribution agency in the county. Other free services we offer include shelter; free medical and dental clinics; clothes for children; personalized case management and much more. The entire community benefits from our steadfast mission to mobilize all available resources and work hand in hand to break the cycle of poverty.