A Cleveland Elementary student leaves Old Navy with a new backpack filled with supplies, ready to start the school year with confidence. (Courtesy photo)
A Cleveland Elementary student leaves Old Navy with a new backpack filled with supplies, ready to start the school year. (Courtesy photo)

One hundred students from Cleveland Elementary School are starting the school year with new clothes, backpacks and school supplies, thanks to a community partnership between Kiwanis of Santa Barbara, Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise, Unity Shoppe, and Old Navy Santa Barbara.

The students, selected by Cleveland Elementary based on need, each received a $100 gift card funded by Kiwanis of Santa Barbara, Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise, and a grant from Rotary District 5240.

Old Navy, which opened two hours early for private shopping, contributed an additional $40 per student, so each child could select a variety of back-to-school essentials.

“This has become one of my favorite events of the year because it cultivates community between our families and these generous organizations,” said Cleveland Elementary Principal Gabriel Sandoval.

“The first days of school are special for all students, and this clothing event allows students to feel confident about their appearance and when they feel confident that usually transfers to their academic confidence,” Sandoval said.

Oscar Zavala, member of Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise, holds up a t-shirt as he assists a Cleveland Elementary family in selecting new school clothes as part of the community partnership event. (Courtesy hoto)
Oscar Zavala, a member of Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise, assists a Cleveland Elementary family in selecting new school clothes as part of the community partnership event. (Courtesy hoto)

“I also appreciate this clothing event because it reduces the economic stresses our families endure and allows them to direct their finances to other priority needs,” he said.

“The Rotary of Santa Barbara Sunrise, Kiwanis Club of Santa Barbara and Unity Shoppe have been wonderful partners for Cleveland for many years and we hope to continue this appreciated partnership,” he said.

Additionally, each student received a brand-new backpack filled with school supplies, while volunteers from Rotary, Kiwanis, and New House assisted families throughout the morning.

“This back-to-school shopping event is a real life, joyful example of the Kiwanis mission being fulfilled here in our Santa Barbara community,” said Nancy Butterfield, Kiwanis of Santa Barbara past president and project coordinator.

“Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time,” she said.

“Once students are equipped with school supplies and clothing, they can focus on learning and friendships,” said Liz Alves, president of Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise.

“Our club has supported this event for multiple years because it directly benefits families in our community, and we get to see what’s trending in youth fashion,” she said.

This marks the fourth year of the project, organized by Kiwanis of Santa Barbara, and continues a growing tradition of local service clubs working together to meet the needs of students in the community.