This Week in Education

Foothill Family Unity Center Back-to-School Event
“We need a miracle” 50% more children, decline in donations spell struggle to outfit needy kids

Published on Monday, July 21

From last year's event

Each year for a decade, Foothill Unity Center has provided, hundreds of children with the basics they might not otherwise have to start the school year off right: new school uniforms, underwear, shoes, socks, and school supplies. But this year’s event, to be held August 21st at Santa Anita Park race track, is being challenged by an unprecedented economic crunch.

“We’re expecting 50% more children than we had last year, and our monetary donations are significantly down,” says Center Executive Director Joan Whitenack. “I can’t imagine having to turn any child away. But to provide for them all, we’re going to need a miracle.”

Last year, about 1,000 pre-registered K-12 grade students from qualified low-income client families in Altadena, Arcadia, Bradbury, Duarte, Monrovia, Pasadena, Sierra Madre and South Pasadena attended the distribution. This year, over 1,500 children are expected.

The Center is urgently seeking donated funds to handle the increase. Just $50 provides the basics for one child. “Although we welcome in-kind gifts of school clothing and supplies, monetary donations give these kids more, dollar for dollar,” says Assistant Director Betty McWilliams. “Our special arrangements with vendors and suppliers allow us to stretch every penny.”

The organization invites local businesses and groups to donate new computers, bicycles and other large prizes to give away in a free raffle during the event. They also welcome clean used school uniforms in good condition to give to children who register too late to attend the event.

The importance of giving all children a good start back to school was recently underlined by a Center volunteer who shared her own experience as a child of poverty. “I would miss the first three days of school each year because we were poor and I didn’t have the things I needed,” she remembered. “It was easier than facing the remarks and looks of the other children.”

Checks may be mailed to Back to School Program, Foothill Unity Center, 415 West Chestnut Avenue, Monrovia, California, 91016. For further information on Back to School Distribution needs and volunteer opportunities, call the Monrovia Center at (626) 358-3486 or the Pasadena Center at (626) 584-7420.

Foothill Unity Center provides a range of services unparalleled not only in the San Gabriel Valley, but across Los Angeles County. Operating with a small staff and a corps of dedicated volunteers, the nonprofit, nondenominational organization distributed over two million pounds of food to 2,268 unduplicated very low-income families last year. It also provides clothing, limited motel vouchers, and referrals to the homeless and people in crisis. Clients meet stringent income guidelines and are requalified annually. Over 70% are children and seniors. For more information, call The Center at (626) 358-3486.