Local Foundation to Distribute Free Backpacks, Supplies During School Supply Giveaway in Pasadena

The Jade Marlin Foundation in Pasadena is collaborating with local educational institutions and radio station 93.5 KDAY to distribute free backpacks and school supplies during its School Supply Giveaway event on Saturday, July 27. This is a significant step in the foundation’s mission to promote accessible fashion education.

Founded by renowned fashion designer Jade Marlin, the nonprofit organization aims to lower entry barriers into the fashion industry by providing essential resources to aspiring designers from low-income backgrounds.

The event will be at the CVS parking lot on 900 N. Lake Avenue in Pasadena, starting at 10 a.m.

“It’s going to be a great event at the CVS parking lot, and we’ll also have 93.5 KDAY coming out and partnering with us,” Marlin said. “The radio station will be out there and it’s just going to be a great event giving back to the community. So we’re just so excited to be able to give back to the community and to make these kids smile.”

The foundation, established in 2015, has been actively involved in training aspiring designers, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. Offering comprehensive training in design, product development, marketing, and networking, the foundation equips individuals with the skills necessary to succeed in the competitive fashion industry.

“We have a mentorship program for youth as well as adults,” Marlin said. “And we have a scholarship program. So if you’re enrolled in a fashion program at Pasadena City College, or any college as long as you’re enrolled, we offer a fashion scholarship program where we donate to four students and they’re able to get a scholarship for fashion.”

The foundation also offers a youth entrepreneurship program, which equalizes opportunities for success and aims to inspire and support individuals in pursuing their dreams.

“My motive is to inspire children to succeed in education and give them opportunities to be able to start a brand, because starting a clothing brand is very challenging and it’s very expensive,” Marlin said. “We can offer these different programs, whether it’s an internship or the Fashion academy or whether you’re trying to get extra funding for your utensils for school with the scholarship program.”

With city officials and media outlets expected to attend, the event underscores the foundation’s commitment to community engagement and support.

To get in line for the free backpacks and supplies, kids can register for the event on Eventbrite, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jade-marlin-foundation-back-to-school-sluppy-giveaway-tickets-863428005407, or they can just show up at CVS at 900 N. Lake Ave. in Pasadena on the day of the event.

For more information, visit https://www.jademarlinfoundation.org/.