North Island Credit Union has partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego to make the new school year a little bit easier for hundreds of Club kids and their families. In the third year of the partnership, the credit union recently provided more than 260 backpacks and school supplies to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego as part of its annual Back 2 School Drive.

Backpacks were donated by North Island Credit Union, its employees, and members in a July branch drive, with school supplies by the credit union. The backpacks will be distributed to elementary through high school-aged students participating in Club programs across San Diego County prior to the start of the fall school year.

"All our students deserve to start the upcoming school year with everything they need for academic success. We're excited to again support local youth through this partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego," said North Island Credit Union CEO Steve O'Connell. "Assisting our students and teachers in the important work of learning is a fundamental part of our community commitment. We thank our members and employees for so generously joining us to ensure these students have the tools they need to thrive in the school year ahead."

Sommer Cartier, Director of Corporate Partnerships, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego, said, "Going back to school can be overwhelming for many kids and families across San Diego. Not having the necessary school supplies can put an enormous amount of stress on parents and young people. For families facing financial hardship, a fully-stuffed backpack can be a gamechanger and can help their children start the school year off right. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego wants all our members to start the school year feeling confident and ready and that is why we have joined forces with local partners to collect the necessary supplies to help children excel in the classroom this upcoming school year."

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego changes lives through quality youth programs and guidance in a safe, affordable and fun environment. The Clubs serve kids ages 5-18 at 23 community-based sites countywide, making a difference in the lives of San Diego's future leaders – today's youth. Through its Back 2 School Drive, its members receive all the basic necessities to start the school year off right.