Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of community donors, some very special students in our community stepped into the school year in confidence and pride. Our friends at My New Red Shoes provided a pair of shoes and a $50 Old Navy Gift Card for every single school-age child we serve!

In addition, former Councilmember Diana Souza and San Leandro Councilmembers Ursula Reed and Benny Lee spearheaded a school supply drive for the young people served in our shelters, domestic violence, and housing programs. To the businesses and community agencies that hosted collection bins, and to all of the incredible community members who donated: THANK YOU. Because of your generosity, these very vulnerable students are better able to focus on what truly matters: pursuing a brighter future.

Sites hosting school supply bins this year included Church of Christ, Floresta Dental, Manor Branch Library, Marina Community Center, Pallen’s Martial Arts, San Leandro City Hall, San Leandro Ford, San Leandro Police Station, Senior Community Center, Starbucks on Marina Blvd, and Zocalo Coffeehouse.

This article first appeared in our 2015-16 Annual Report.