Fresno lawmaker helps kick off ‘Backpack Giveaway’ tour ahead of new school year

California Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula is part of a back-to-school tour this month in an effort to deliver 5,000 customized backpacks to Fresno-area children, especially those who were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We know the pandemic had an adverse effect on children and their education, especially in disadvantaged and rural communities,” Arambula, D-Fresno, said in a statement in advance of the tour’s kickoff event Saturday morning at the United Way Fresno and Madera Counties office on Kings Canyon Road.

Working with community partners, including the nonprofit Binational of Central California, Arambula helped deliver the backpacks, which have been customized with a specific child’s name, age and favorite color in mind. Each one contains a personalized note and other needed supplies such as paper, notebooks, pencils and crayons.

“My grandparents never went to a day of school in their lives,” Arambula said during the event.

“Being the first Latino physician our state has elected, It is the power that education brings to communities like ours. I believe it is important for us to hold that door open for future generations.”

The kickoff event doubled as a Health and Resource Fair with more than 20 community-based organizations on site, along with games, arts and crafts, and ice cream. A second giveaway was scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Chukchansi Park in downtown Fresno.

The rest of the tour will take place between Aug. 12 and Aug. 21 and include nearly a dozen stops in places such as Calwa, Firebaugh and Lanare. The group also plans to deliver some backpacks to families who can’t attend the events because of work or transportation issues.