Los Angeles Angels Host Annual Back 2 School Event for Local Students
On July 23, the Los Angeles Angels, through the Angels Baseball Foundation, welcomed 800 local students at their annual Back 2 School event held at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. This event is part of a broader initiative aimed at equipping students with essential clothing and school supplies before the new academic year begins. The foundation’s commitment to community support was evident as students arrived throughout the day to collect backpacks filled with essential items.
Empowering Local Youth
The students who attended the Back 2 School event received bags containing vital supplies, including shoes, pens, pencils, paper, and clothing featuring the Angels’ logo. Additionally, generous contributions of food were provided by Melissa’s Produce. One of the unique features of this year’s event was the opportunity for students to experience a first-hand glimpse of the game by sitting in the dugout, fostering a deeper connection with the sport.
Collaborative Partnerships for Greater Impact
To make this event successful, the Angels Baseball Foundation collaborated with San Diego County Credit Union (SDCCU) and Oggi’s Pizza and Brewery Co., based in San Clemente, to launch the Stuff the Bus campaign. This initiative raises funds to gather filled backpacks and supplies specifically for students in need, particularly focusing on those facing homelessness in central and northern Orange County. You can learn more about how SDCCU supports local communities through their outreach programs here.
Meeting Critical Needs
According to Angels Chairman Dennis Kuhl, the need for school supplies is acute in areas like Santa Ana and Anaheim, reflecting the larger challenges within Orange County. Kuhl emphasized, "The need is in Santa Ana, Anaheim, within all of Orange County, and we try to make sure that we’re reaching those kids." This sentiment underscores the foundation’s motivation to alleviate educational barriers faced by underprivileged youth.
Contributions from Local Businesses
In addition to the efforts of the Angels and their corporate partners, other local businesses contributed significantly. Financial support from Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula helped cover the costs of school supplies. Notably, shoe donations came from Skechers, showcasing the community’s collective efforts to support youth in need.
Successful Past Initiatives
Reflecting on past success, last year’s SDCCU Stuff the Bus campaign raised an impressive $111,969 in San Diego County, leading to the distribution of 8,909 filled backpacks and over 215,915 school supplies. This robust initiative continues to demonstrate the community’s dedication to improving the lives of local students. Although Angels players have participated in the Back 2 School event in previous years, this season they were in Queens, New York, for a game against the New York Mets at Citi Field.
While exact financial details for this year’s Back 2 School event are still forthcoming, the initiative remains a shining example of how sports organizations can make a meaningful impact in local communities. For continuous updates on philanthropy efforts and community engagements by the Angels, consider visiting the official Angels website.
Conclusion
The annual Back 2 School event, organized by the Los Angeles Angels, stands as a testament to the power of community and collaboration. By providing essential school supplies to students in need, the Angels Baseball Foundation, along with its partners, plays a critical role in enhancing educational opportunities in Orange County. This ongoing commitment not only assists local youth but also highlights various ways that organizations can contribute positively to their communities. As each school year approaches, initiatives like this reinforce the essential support that shapes the futures of countless students.
