Volunteers distributed 800 backpacks to children and families in need. (photo courtesy of Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles)

Three Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies and the city of Los Angeles recently partnered to distribute 800 backpacks to families in need.

Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles, Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles County and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles have operated under the belief that inherent in every child is incredible potential. The backpacks, which featured the Los Angeles Lakers logo, were a way to offer children educational support.

As affiliates of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, the Los Angeles Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies create monitored matches between adult volunteers and children ages 5 through young adulthood.

The addition of a positive and caring adult role model empowers youth to stay in school, avoid drugs and gangs, and pursue a college education. The relationships have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people, said communications director James Finney-Conlon in a press release.

Together, the three agencies serve more than 4,000 at-risk youth with mentoring, camp, college guidance, scholarships, college retention and teen support.