News Summary
North Island Credit Union has initiated its annual school backpack drive in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego. The drive aims to collect new backpacks for local elementary and middle school students, ensuring they start the school year prepared. Community members can drop off backpacks until July 19 at any North Island branch. The initiative underscores the importance of investing in youth education and is part of a broader effort to provide essential supplies for students in need.
San Diego, CA – North Island Credit Union has officially launched its annual school backpack drive this week, partnering with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego to support local elementary and middle school students. This initiative aims to ensure that students begin the school year with the necessary tools for success, marking the fifth consecutive year of collaboration between the two organizations.
The drive is geared towards collecting new backpacks suitable for elementary and middle school students, with the drop-off period running through July 19. Community members are invited to contribute by bringing backpacks to any North Island Credit Union branch throughout San Diego County. The donated backpacks will be filled with essential school supplies, which will then be distributed to students in need through the Boys & Girls Clubs.
North Island Credit Union emphasizes the importance of investing in local youth and their education. The organization’s President/CEO, Steve O’Connell, highlights that providing students with the necessary resources at the beginning of the school year can significantly aid in their confidence and preparedness for academic challenges.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego operate with a mission to serve children aged 5 to 18 across 23 community-based sites in the area. Their role in the backpack drive is crucial, as they will be responsible for distributing the filled backpacks to Club kids who require support. This initiative is part of the broader Back 2 School Drive, which provides vital resources to ensure that every student has the supplies they need to thrive in their educational pursuits.
Participation in the drive is encouraged not only among credit union members but also among the greater local community, as North Island Credit Union aims to foster a spirit of giving and support for students. The organization has been recognized for its commitment to community service and is a division of California Credit Union, which was established in 1933. With approximately 200,000 members and assets totaling around $5 billion, North Island Credit Union holds a significant place within the financial landscape of San Diego.
In addition to facilitating community initiatives like the backpack drive, North Island Credit Union has achieved accolades such as being named a Forbes Best-In-State Credit Union for 2024 and 2025. Furthermore, it is certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), underscoring its commitment to serving underserved communities and promoting economic access.
As the new school year approaches, the backpack drive serves as a timely reminder of the importance of community involvement in addressing the basic necessities of students. It aims not only to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by families but also to cultivate a sense of readiness among youth as they embark on another academic year.
All community members interested in participating in this worthy cause are encouraged to donate new backpacks to any North Island Credit Union location in San Diego County before July 19. By coming together, the local community can make a significant impact on the lives of students and help them start the school year off on the right foot.
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Additional Resources
- Patch: School Backpack Drive Kicks Off in San Diego County
- News Journal: North Island Credit Union Launches School Backpack Drive
- MSN: Stuff the Bus School Supplies Drive Kicks Off in San Diego County
- San Diego Union-Tribune: Community Events in San Diego County
- Fox 5 San Diego: Back to School Drive – How to Donate Supplies
- Wikipedia: School Supply
- Google Search: Back to School Drives in San Diego
- Google Scholar: School Backpack Drive
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Back to School
- Google News: San Diego School Supplies Drive
