The backpack and school supply numbers are in and BOMA San Diego exceeded our collection goal!  We aimed to collect 200 backpacks for foster youth in San Diego.  Our members used their creativity and the power of their networks – we reached out to our co-workers, tenants, vendors, and even our out-of-state/country family and friends to spread the news about the need for school supplies for San Diego’s foster youth.
 
BOMA San Diego rallied up a total of:
 

• 206 backpacks
• 1,389 school supplies
• $810 cash donations (translates to approximately 50 new backpacks)

 
Promises2Kids reported this year’s Back-To-School collection was “record-breaking (all around)” and that as quickly as supplies and backpacks came in, they were able to distribute them to social workers and other agencies.  
 
“Many youth in foster care were able to get their supplies before school began, which is great!” said Promises2Kids’ Development Coordinator Kaitlyn Elliott.
 
Within the foster system, these youth may find themselves moving between both homes and schools.  A new and sturdy backpack is more than another accessory for school – it’s also simple and powerful tool that help them stay organized on a daily basis.
 
During the August Luncheon, BOMA members dropped off a huge amount of donations that filled up two SUVs.  The BOMA Back-To-School Drive sub-chair Jeff Niles from Concierge Cleaning Services threw on a pink backpack and with his trusty broom in hand managed to sweep up cash donations from attendees. Kaitlyn also took to the podium to thank our members for BOMA San Diego’s continued support of the foster youth in San Diego County, and how our efforts positively impact these youth.
 
Thank you very much to all of our donators for helping us create a brighter future for our foster children! 
 
Click here to see photos from the drive. Click here to view the photo album on Promises2Kids' Facebook page.