This August, Richstone Family Center’s annual Back to School campaign wrapped up with 250 students heading into the new school year with backpacks and supplies in hand, and a community that showed up for them.
On Saturday, August 8, 327 children and families gathered at Richstone for a morning of food, crafts, games, and connection. Kids decorated kindness rocks, made friendship bracelets, fused beads, made bookmarks, and took pictures in the photobooth. Bubbles floated through the air as the NCL chapters served PBJ sandwiches and turkey cheese sandwiches. Beach Babies provided popsicles, water, lemonade, and sprite to keep everyone cool on a warm summer morning.
This year’s campaign was made possible by an extraordinary group of donors who gave backpacks, supplies, and financial support to ensure every child was taken care of. Kinecta, Sandpipers, Laura and Redondo Beach Kiwanis, Jessica Do, Jenny Pham, Jade Vasun, and Abby Tarver all contributed backpacks and school supplies. Wood Smith Henning & Berman donated an incredible 52 filled backpacks. Beach Babies went above and beyond as both a donor and volunteer, contributing 150 backpacks and school supplies. Together, donors raised $5,925 for the campaign.
One of the highlights of this year’s campaign was our ability to say yes to walk-in families — neighbors, relatives, and community members who came hoping to find support for a child. Thanks to donors who contributed general backpacks specifically for these moments, no one walked away empty-handed.
NCL PV, NCL MB/HB, NCL Pier, Hermosa Hermanos, Amigos Unidos, Blue Sheilds, Help Group, PAT, and a number of dedicated individuals and families also gave their time, energy, and presence to make the morning a celebration the whole community could feel.
The gratitude from the families we serve says it best. One Richstone family shared: “There are no words to thank you for everything. We are very fortunate that you exist in our lives.“
To every donor, volunteer, and partner who was part of Back to School 2026 — thank you. You showed our families that their community sees them, and that is something no child forgets.
