ArrowHeart Foundation distributes 800 backpacks across California and Arizona

Arrowhead Credit Union’s ArrowHeart Foundation assembled and donated 800 backpacks and more than 24,000 school supplies for K-12 students at 18 organizations in California and Arizona. The annual drive marks the foundation’s 13th year supporting local students and includes new recipients such as March Air Reserve Base, UMOM New Day Center and A New Leaf.

Why it matters: - The backpack drive helps students start school with basic supplies that can affect classroom readiness and learning. - The donation reached 18 organizations across California and Arizona, extending support beyond a single community. - The program also reflects ArrowHeart Foundation’s year-round local giving model, including volunteer work, food and clothing donations, emergency bags for people experiencing homelessness and scholarships.

What happened: - ArrowHeart Foundation hosted its annual Backpack and School Supply Collection throughout June and July for students in grades K-12. - Arrowhead Credit Union team member volunteers and teen family members in the Summer Volunteer Program organized and assembled 800 backpacks and more than 24,000 school supplies. - ArrowHeart volunteers hand-delivered the backpacks to 18 recipient organizations in California and Arizona. - Arrowhead team members donated backpacks and school supplies for the project.

The details: - Each backpack was filled with colored pencils, crayons, erasers, paper, folders, glue sticks, markers, pencil boxes or pouches, pens, rulers, sharpeners and notebooks. - This was the 13th year ArrowHeart Foundation supported communities with backpacks and school supplies. - Six new organizations joined the recipient list: March Air Reserve Base, Hearts and Lives, BHHS Legacy Foundation, UMOM New Day Center, A New Leaf and Sunshine Acres. - Mary’s Haven in San Bernardino, California, and Needles Recreation Center in Needles, California, were long-time recipients. - Mary’s Haven, formerly Veronica’s Home of Mercy, is a 12- to 24-month transitional living program for displaced women and children. - Arrowhead Credit Union Financial Coaches also present monthly on money management, credit and financial literacy at Mary’s Haven. - Needles Recreation Center serves children in grades K-6. - Children at Needles Recreation Center chose backpack styles to match their taste and personality. - ArrowHeart Foundation also supports the Recreation Center’s Santa’s Workshop event each December. - The December event includes gift-making for families, a visit from Santa Claus and a gift for each child to take home. - Needles Recreation Center Manager Jennifer Valenzuela said one hundred students now have backpacks that last the entire school year and supplies that carry them through more than half the year.

Between the lines: - The scale of the drive suggests Arrowhead Credit Union is using employee volunteerism to turn a seasonal charity effort into a broad regional distribution network. - Adding new organizations while keeping long-time partners shows the foundation is expanding without dropping established community relationships. - The mix of school supplies and financial literacy support at Mary’s Haven points to a broader approach to family stability, not just one-time material aid.

What's next: - ArrowHeart Foundation will continue its annual community support programs through the rest of the year. - The foundation hosts more than 100 events annually and fills donation requests from community partners. - More information is available at the ArrowHeart Foundation website.