From left, State Sen. María Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles), Pathways L.A. CEO Tamika Farr and City Councilman Hugo Soto-Martinez, 13th District, distributed backpacks to children and families during Pathways LA’s Back-to-School Resource Fair on July 29. (photo by Nicolas Sage photography)

Pathways L.A. gave children a fresh start to the school year during the Back-to-School Resource Fair on Saturday, July 29.

A total of 844 backpacks were distributed to families with children ages 3-13 years old to help prepare children for the new school year. School supplies, lunch bags with nutritious snacks, educational activity kits and insulated water bottles were distributed.

“With support from generous organizations and donors, we are able to promote healthy child and family well-being and support positive outcomes for all children through an array of free services and signature events like our Back-to-School Resource Fair,” Pathways L.A. CEO Tamika Farr said. “Thanks to our partners we were able to help build brighter futures for children and families living in Los Angeles as they prepare for the new school year.”

Contributions to Pathways LA’s Back-to-School Resource Fair were provided by Walmart through a $1,000 grant and in-kind school supply donations. Baby2Baby donated 144 backpacks, and with support from Parents Educators/Teachers and Students in Action, State. Sen. María Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles) donated 200 backpacks, as did Councilman Hugo Soto-Martinez, 13th District.

In addition, families connected with community resources from PHFE WIC (Women’s, Infants, and Children), Saban Community Clinic, Liberty Dental Plan, LIFT Los Angeles, Options for Youth, Los Angeles Public Library, Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center, PESA and California Highway Patrol El Protector.