With the help of over $20,000 in donations from Contra Costa and Alameda County residents and businesses, almost 3000 students are now equipped with school supplies more than sufficient enough for the present school year and next.

Project Ready to Learn, the annual school supplies drive spearheaded by the Contra Costa Times and partners like VESTIA and Tools 4 School, had gotten such a response this time around that they are well on their way to meeting next year’s intended goal.

Brand new backpacks filled with notebooks, pens and other school supplies have been given away to local students throughout the county. Jansport contributed 550 of the new packs.

It’s nice to hear about local businesses and residents pitching in to help ease the blow that families feel from sending their kids to school. There are over 4200 needy children in the region and each pack of supplies being given away has an average value of $94. A little help here and there is a large gesture to For some Bay Area families.

- Joseph Natividad