Muscoy, CA – San Bernardino Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. held his annual Backpack Giveaway at Vermont Elementary on August 7th, sponsoring the entire school and ensuring every student received a backpack. This cherished tradition reflects the commitment of San Bernardino County and Supervisor Baca, Jr. to the well-being and success of their students. “We are very proud to begin the school year alongside the students in our district, ensuring they are well-prepared to tackle the year ahead with confidence and success. As a former educator, it’s a joy to support their journey and educational goals from the start,” says Supervisor Baca, Jr.  

The event, held in the underserved community of Muscoy, was a community effort made possible through the support of Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Bank of America, Kaiser Permanente, Walmart, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, San Bernardino County Firefighters, and various County partners. Over 600 students and their teachers attended, creating a festive atmosphere as volunteers distributed backpacks filled with school supplies. 

A special moment during the event was the presentation of a $5,000 check to the school. “When we received the check, I immediately started thinking about how we could use the funds. It could cover four field trips for the younger students or help us add more books to our library. We are so grateful to Supervisor Baca for all he’s done to support our students,” says Principal Hernandez. 

Supervisor Baca, Jr. extended his gratitude to Superintendent Arellano for his unwavering support and dedication to the success of all students in the San Bernardino City Unified School District. He also expressed heartfelt appreciation to Principal Alejandro Hernandez for his tireless efforts and genuine care for the students of Vermont Elementary.