As the new school year approached, the Alhambra Unified School District (AUSD) in the United States hosted a comprehensive “Back-to-School Supplies Distribution Event.” This initiative provided crucial support to students and their families, helping them prepare for the academic year with greater stability and peace of mind.

A collaborative effort

The event, held on August 6th, was spearheaded by Lindsey Ma, Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services for AUSD. It brought together various community partners, including the Tzu Chi Foundation, American food companies, and local food pantries. Over two thousand parents and students attended, receiving essential living and learning materials.

Edith Gonzalez, representing Hilda L. Solis, the Los Angeles County First District Supervisor and interim chair of the County Council, presented a certificate of appreciation to Tzu Chi. She acknowledged the collective effort to ensure families and students had everything they needed for school, from backpacks and supplies to haircut services and fresh produce. She extended sincere gratitude to all the dedicated volunteers and partners involved.

Lindsey Ma emphasized the event’s core purpose:

We organized this event to help students start the school year positively and to raise community awareness about school readiness. Through close collaboration with our partners, we aim to ensure every student is prepared and confident when they walk into school on August 12th.

Comprehensive support for families

Tammy Scorcia, Negotiation and Finance Chair for AUSD and the Alhambra Teachers Association (ATA), led the event’s planning and on-site execution. She explained the breadth of the assistance:

We provided not just backpacks and school supplies, but also fresh produce, dry goods, dairy products, clothes, shoes, and even free haircuts from local stylists. We do this because we know times are tough; everything is getting more expensive. Many families are unemployed or working multiple jobs just to afford housing. We want to ease their financial burden so students can focus on their studies and growth.

James Chen (陳健), Deputy CEO of Tzu Chi USA, highlighted the targeted support:

For the most vulnerable schools, we specifically selected two hundred families whose circumstances are almost equivalent to those experiencing homelessness, along with other particularly disadvantaged families. We also distributed cash cards to them.

Voices of gratitude

Many families shared their appreciation for the support they received.

Lloselin Sequen, a mother of six, expressed her profound gratitude:

This has truly helped so much. The food, school supplies, and even the cash cards allow us to get through a difficult period. Each person receives fifty dollars, which is three hundred dollars for our family. This money will be used to buy any remaining necessities they might need. It’s not just material support; it lets us know we are not alone.

Annie, an elderly guardian, brought her eight-year-old great-grandson, Barry, to collect supplies. She shared her appreciation:

This is wonderful, my first time here! Everyone is so kind. Tzu Chi even gave us a fifty-dollar cash card to help us buy shoes, food, and clothes for the child. Thank God, and thank everyone for their help!

Dennis, whose family of seven recently lost their home to a fire, was referred to Tzu Chi by the Red Cross.

Thank you for your help and support. You’ve given us so much support because I just lost my home. We had an accident, but still, thank you. Now they’ve helped us with clothes, food, and a backpack.

Betty, a fifth-grader, came with her mother and younger brother. “I’m so happy to see everyone here today. I received a backpack and stationery, which I can use for school. Thank you all for your help.”

In the face of rising living costs and unemployment challenges, the collaborative efforts of the school district and community partners have ignited hope for countless families. The event was more than just a distribution of goods; it was a transmission of love and support, ensuring that every student can grow in a secure environment and embrace a new school year filled with promise.

Written by Mandy Lo (駱淑麗)

Translated by Mindy Chen (陳敏理)

Source: 愛心齊聚迎新學年 社區攜手為學生送暖 ​