Santa Maria Costco donates 400 backpacks to local students

The Santa Maria Costco donated 420 backpacks and additional school supplies to students of Santa Maria-Bonita School District at the start of the school year.

Students at Adam, Alvin, Arellanes Elementary, Battles, Bonita, Robert Bruce, Fairlawn, Oakley and Sanchez schools received backpacks. The schools were chosen based on the number of students who qualify for free breakfast and lunch through the federal meal program, officials from the school district said.

Each school received about 50 backpacks.

“Backpacks are often in demand at our school,” said Robert Bruce School principal Lisa Caruso in a press release. “They get a lot of wear and tear, and the good quality ones are pretty expensive. Some of our families struggle to purchase or replace backpacks for their children.”

Caruso said all students, faculty and parents at local schools are thankful for the donation.

“It makes a huge difference for the children when they are provided with the educational tools that help them succeed,” Caruso said.

Costco has provided backpacks to the school district in the past, but this is the most significant donation made yet.