Nonprofits provide school supplies for students in need
A new school year begins for most Petaluma students today. The first day of school means new grades, new teachers, and new supplies. For some families, school supplies can put a big dent in their budget. But several local organizations are here to help ease that burden.
Petaluma People Services Center held its annual back-to-school giveaway with a Sunshine & Smiles Fiesta on Monday, Aug. 10, where youth in need of school supplies were able to pick up everything from new backpacks to notebooks and pencils. Mentors were on hand to hang out with their mentees as families played games, made crafts, enjoyed food, and walked through the student lounge at the Cavanagh Center where tables were full of school supplies for the taking.
(Left photo) Navaeh Urrea, who starts third grade, picks up some markers and crayons at the Mentor Me Cavanagh Recreation Center on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026. (PHOTOS BY CRISSY PASCUAL/PETALUMA VOICE ©2026)
Kids who participate in the Petaluma People Services Center's Mentor Me program pick up new school supplies on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026. (Far left photo) Ethan Calvillo, who starts fifth grade, grabs markers from the table. (Center photo) Fifth grader Adriana Juarez gets some help picking up supplies. (Far right) Maliyah Gebhardt starts second grade with a new purple backpack loaded with school supplies. (Photos by CRISSY PASCUAL/PETALUMA VOICE ©2026)
The Petaluma Active 20-30 Club partners with families to take them on a back-to-school shopping spree on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026. (Top left photo) Leland Reid checks his shopping list to pick up items for his assigned student. (Top right) Natalie Fredette helps her assigned student try on a sweatshirt. (Bottom left photo) Erika Samarron volunteers her time to provide haircuts to the kids. (Bottom right photo) Backpacks already stuffed with school supplies wait to be claimed. (Photos by CRISSY PASCUAL/PETALUMA VOICE ©2026)
The Petaluma Active 20-30 Club held its annual Children’s Shopping Spree on Saturday, Aug. 8. Low-income youth were partnered with members and volunteers. Students were given free backpacks full of school supplies and then went shopping at Kohl’s for back-to-school clothes. While there, kids could opt to get a free haircut from volunteer hairdressers.
The 20-30 Club members are given a list of families in need through partnerships with local organizations. The club's annual fundraising efforts allowed it to provide for 92 kids this year. One of those fundraisers, a pork barbecue competition called Burning Ham, will take place on Sep. 19 at Penngrove Park.
If you or someone you know has school supply needs, there are still some resources available. Contact Petaluma People Services Center about their surplus supplies (petalumapeople.org/youth) or stop by Una Vida’s Community Closet (open Thursday and Saturday from 2-5 p.m. at 410 D St.) for free clothes. Teachers can find support from the Teachers Resource Center of the North Bay.
