Sharp Grossmont Hospital held its annual backpack drive on July 19 to support local students impacted by HIV and AIDS as they get ready to go back to school. Nurses and hospital staff sponsored 75 children this year by donating backpacks filled with a range of school supplies, specialized for specific age groups.
Sharp Grossmont works each year with the San Diego nonprofit Christie’s Place to identify families and children in need. The organization supports women and children with HIV and AIDS by providing resources and family centered social services since 1996. Since the drive was launched in 2005, Sharp staff have donated more than 3,000 backpacks filled with school supplies.
“We love seeing the excited look on our kids’ faces when they receive their brand-new backpacks,” said Rhea Van Brocklin, executive director of Christie’s Place in a statement. “By providing our kids with essential school supplies, Sharp employees help them start the year off right, and boosts their morale and self-esteem.”
Sharp Grossmont staff were provided detailed school supply lists by grade to ensure donations were both thoughtful and practical. On the day of the drive, backpacks were dropped off in an array of colors featuring animated characters, superheroes, and tie-dye, then loaded on a Sharp shuttle and delivered to Christie’s Place. Many of the students identified face significant challenges, such as poverty, unstable housing and food insecurity. By providing school supplies through the backpack drive, Sharp Grossmont staff help alleviate one of these burdens and make sure children receive the necessary tools to succeed academically.
