By Yanet Luna, Vitals contributor

Research shows that children who start school healthy and ready to learn are more likely to meet early academic milestones. By providing backpacks and essential school supplies, this effort helps students arrive prepared and ready to participate from day one.  

More than 3,300 backpacks and nearly 9,000 school supply items are making their way to students across California this back-to-school season, thanks to a systemwide drive led by Sutter employees, physicians and clinicians. 

The effort engaged 53 Sutter locations and 10 community organizations that are helping connect the donated supplies with local students and families. The drive was organized through Sutter’s Together We Give initiative, which brings teams across the organization together around volunteer and giving efforts. 

Employees from Sutter Health Sansum Clinic in Santa Barbara proudly display donated backpacks and school supplies.

“Caring for our communities extends far beyond clinic walls,” said Grace Davis, chief external affairs officer for Sutter Health. “When students have the supplies they need to begin the school year ready to learn, it helps set the foundation for future success.” 

Supporting Student Achievement

Health and well-being are shaped by many factors beyond clinical settings. Having access to basic school supplies can play an important role in helping students feel prepared, included and ready to learn. For many families, the cost of backpacks and classroom materials can create challenges at the start of the school year.

Partnering with Communities

Sutter collaborated with community-based organizations that understand the needs of the neighborhoods they serve, helping connect donated backpacks and supplies with local students and families.

This year’s community partners included The Alliance: Vacaville Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club, Nexus Youth and Family Services; The Yuba County Office of Education, Education for Homeless Children & Youth Program; Modesto City Schools; Los Banos Unified School District; Boys & Girls Clubs of Tracy; Family Giving Tree; Boys & Girls Clubs of Marin and Southern Sonoma Counties and Unity Shoppe.

Sutter East Bay Medical Group employees rallied to help donate backpacks.

One of those partners, The Alliance, brings together organizations and individuals across the Greater Sacramento area to support vulnerable children and families, including foster youth, refugees and families in crisis.

“Thanks to Sutter and so many generous donors, local foster, refugee and other at-risk children will head back to school with a brand-new backpack filled with everything they need to succeed,” said Tiffany Loeffler, founder and executive director of The Alliance. “When we work together, we’re helping kids start the school year with confidence and the support of an entire community behind them.”