The Burnett students each received a backpack containing two white polo shirts, one pair of pants, one pair of shorts or a skort, a package of socks, three pairs of underwear, a warm jacket and basic school supplies. They also received a book donated by the Molina Foundation Book Buddies Program.
The fog-filled morning turned bright with the smiles exuding from hundreds of happy schoolchildren wearing their new backpacks. While volunteers from Rick Rackers, Assisteens, Molina Foundation, UPS, and their families distributed the backpacks, Burnett students entertained the crowd with lively music and Ballet Folklorico. Beta Pi Sigma Sorority Tau Chapter sold coffee and snacks with proceeds being donated back to the school.
“I truly couldn’t be more grateful for the dedication and support we received in putting this day together,” said Mary Lee Freeman, Rick Rackers philanthropic programs chairperson, who received hundreds of thank-you notes from the children at Burnett.
Rick Rackers Auxiliary of Assistance League of Long Beach is a nonprofit volunteer organization whose purpose is to carry on a program of philanthropic work to improve the lives of children in the community. Assistance League of Long Beach’s Operation School Bell program provides approximately 7,500 school uniforms to students of the Long Beach Unified School District annually. For more information on Rick Rackers, Operation School Bell, or Assistance League of Long Beach, or to receive information on upcoming events, call the Assistance League of Long Beach Philanthropic Center at (562) 627-5650.
