As part of its commitment to support families and children, Kinecta Federal Credit Union helps make going back to school a little brighter for children in underserved communities by hosting its 13th Annual Backpack Drive. From July 5 through July 31, Kinecta will collect new backpacks and school supplies for underserved students grades 3-12 who are preparing for the 2022-2023 school year.

"A typical family spends roughly $850 annually on school supplies. At Kinecta, we want to help ease the burden for families in need," said Latrice McGlothin, Executive Director, Kinecta Community Foundation. "We invite the community to join our 2022 Backpack Drive to help students get off to a great start and achieve academic success."

How to donate:

Kinecta members and the public are invited to bring new backpacks and school supplies to any Kinecta branch or donate through Kinecta's Backpack Drive Amazon Wish List. For branch locations and hours, visit our locations page. Items must be new and unused.

School supplies needed include colored pencils, highlighters, folders, notebooks, glue, pencils, pens, pencil cases, pencil sharpeners, rulers, paper, binders, scissors, erasers, backpacks and calculators.

The 2022 Backpack Drive will support children through the following organizations in California: Al Wooten Jr. Youth Center, East Side Riders Bike Club, Environmental Charter School, GRYD Foundation, Los Angeles Police Department Southeast Division, Parents of Watts, Richstone Family Center, St. Albert the Great, Thomas House Family Shelter, Verbum Dei High School, Watts/Century Latino Organization, and others.

Kinecta launched the Backpack Drive in 2010 and has helped nearly 6,000 students in need. This year, its goal is to collect 600 backpacks and the school supplies to fill them for students in underserved areas.

During 2021, Kinecta, its subsidiaries, and employees donated over $880,000 to charitable causes, volunteered over 5,100 hours, and participated in over 225 community events. To learn more about Kinecta's community outreach programs and activities, visit kinecta.org/community