Mark Burns, Sujatha Venkatraman and Carolyn Miller pose by all the backpacks donated by the District.

Thanks to the Cupertino/Sunnyvale District, 62 students from low-income families in the Cupertino and Sunnyvale school districts will be sporting new backpacks at the beginning of this school year. The backpacks are an annual project of the District.

The backpacks were presented to Sujatha Venkatraman, director of Stability Support Services for West Valley Community Services, at yesterday’s Cupertino/Sunnyvale District tour meeting. The non-profit agency distributes the backpacks yearly to disadvantaged students in both communities. Venkatraman thanked SILVAR members for continuing to support the program through the years.

“We value your support each year,” said Venkatraman.

Venkatraman said in addition to backpacks, WVCS is partnering with JCPenney in Cupertino to allow local children the chance to shop for new back-to-school clothing tomorrow, August 4. She said volunteers paired with each child help the children choose which items they need and keeping track of how much they have spent.

According local school officials, a child who comes from a family where there is significant economic or emotional crisis tends to have major attendance issues in school. In addition, families who are already struggling to pay for basic needs, face difficult choices, such as having to compromise on rent, gas, food, etc. so their children can get the essentials needed for school success, like backpacks, school supplies and appropriate clothing. Many families cannot afford new clothes for their school-aged children, which can hinder both attendance and successful learning. Venkatraman said the support from SILVAR and other businesses in the community help make the school year brighter for the children.

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