LOS ANGELES, July 26, 2025— Nearly 800 children and families attended Wellnest’s Back-to-School Backpack Distribution Event on July 26th to help children and families prepare for the school year. This event is one way in which the 101 year old organization applies a holistic approach to emotional well-being to children, young adults, and the families they serve in Los Angeles, ensuring students and families are well equipped for their academic school year.
“Wellnest’s Back-to-School Backpack Event provided essential school supplies and food resources that alleviate financial burdens on families and ensures students are prepared for the academic year,” said Wellnest President and CEO Charlene Dimas-Peinado. “Families also received food resources from FEAST, a nonprofit with a mission to promote wellness and enrich lives through the power of healthy foods and human connection.”
With support with in-kind donations from Baby2Baby and Lil Libros the event encouraged a sense of community, support, and hope that contributes to the overall well-being and success of students and empowers the families in South and East Los Angeles, where Wellnest provides services and housing.
According to an article published by Education Week at the start of the school year in 2023, “The National Retail Federation estimates families will spend as much as $890 on school supplies this year—an increase of more than $25 from last year’s figure.” Many school districts provide lists of expected supplies in the weeks preceding the start of the school year or during the first week to parents, shifting the increased costs to the parents.
At the Wellnest’s Back-to-School Backpack Distribution event, children and youth received free school supplies and backpacks donated from Baby2Baby, Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, along with books from Lil Libros, dental supplies from Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry and USC food supplies from FEAST with the aim to offset some of the financial burden on families.
Families also learned more about Wellnest mental health services along with additional programs that give individuals access to the support needed to reach their full potential
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About Wellnest
Through a holistic approach to emotional well-being, Wellnest, a nationally acclaimed and leading provider of emotional health and wellness services, offers hope, healing, and opportunity to the children, young adults, and the families they serve. Founded in 1924, their commitment remains steadfast as they enter their second century of service providing comprehensive mental health services and housing in the heart of Los Angeles and touching more than 200,000 lives annually. For more information, visit wellnestla.org.
Media Contact:
Rebecca Haussling
Vice President of Communications & Public Affairs
Mobile: 310-922-7384
