Embodying Life Chiropractic College West’s overall mission to give, do, love and serve, the college’s Student Council organized its annual event that provides new backpacks to local children in need ahead of the 2019-20 school year. In addition to donating $1,000 to the project out of the organization’s annual budget, Student Council members also accepted donations from members of the Life West community.
Life West students sent nearly 200 backpacks to FESCO sites.
At the start of the effort, organizers set a goal to donate 100 backpacks to the Family Emergency Shelter Coalition, or FESCO. However, in an exceptional display of support, those at Life West rallied around the effort, and approximately 195 backpacks were distributed to local schoolchildren at recent events.
“About 25 backpacks were collected from the student body,” Student Council Vice President Ashley Gonzales explained. “Seventy or so were bought with monetary donations, and we had an influx of donations in the last two days. We definitely didn’t anticipate almost doubling our goal, but we did.”
Gonzales thanked several student body representatives, including Jodie Gibson, Marco Gudino, Dana Koren, Zeina Kaboukl, Diana Otero and members of Life West’s SABCA chapter. She credited this group with raising awareness for the cause, especially during the two-day period where turnout was incredibly high.
In addition to student efforts, faculty and staff also pitched in. The Life West enrollment team coordinated a donation from the entire department, and Student Life Manager Dani Lorta remarked that the money and backpacks donated set a new record.
Backpacks were filled with supplies.
“These donations will make huge differences in the school experiences of children,” she said. “I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated. The generosity was amazing.”
Events were held at the Les Marquis House and Banyan House, both located in Hayward. The backpacks were filled with school supplies to use during the upcoming academic year, and children also got to decorate and eat cookies as part of the festivities.
FESCO serves to support homeless families during times of struggle. The organization was founded in 1986 in Hayward, California, which is also Life West’s home. Its coalition of 22 churches and community members strives to move low-income families toward self-sufficiency and permanent housing.
To donate to FESCO, text the word “Give” to (510) 694-1080 and follow the prompts.
