Donate School Supplies to Local Elementary Students

Alameda Hospital staff invites public to drop off supplies at hospital lobby by July 31

Alameda Hospital staff are showing up for a local elementary school by launching a backpack and school supplies drive. Staff are collecting crayons, colored pencils, markers, glue sticks, scissors, folders, lined paper, graphite pencils, backpacks, wipes, and more.

The public is invited to join the drive. Anyone can drop off new, unused school supplies in the donation box in Alameda Hospital’s main lobby. The deadline to donate is July 31.

“ Alameda Health System , and Alameda Hospital specifically, mean a lot to our community,” said Nurse Manager Jessica Vinkavich, who is helping organize the backpack drive. “We have always been community-oriented, and we want to do our part to give back.”

Donations will go to Ruby Bridges Elementary School , an Alameda school where more than 64 percent of students qualify for a free or reduced lunch.

“At Alameda Health System, our mission extends beyond the walls of our facilities,” said Mario Harding, chief administrative officer of Alameda Hospital. “This backpack drive is a reflection of our commitment to the overall health and well-being of our children. By ensuring they have the necessary supplies, we are helping to alleviate stress and promoting a healthier start to the school year.”

Hospital staff have been running the backpack drive every summer for years now. Last year, they donated a number of supplies, including about 30 backpacks to kids who needed them. This year they are hoping to match or exceed that number. Wipes and sanitizers are especially needed.

“If you’re grabbing one set of pencils for your child, get another one for the families of our patients,” suggested Debbie Bangoli, Assistant Nurse Manager who also is a backpack drive volunteer. “It doesn’t take a lot of time or money to buy school supplies, but it has a big impact on the children.”

AHS is committed to promoting wellness and optimizing the health of the community through the mission of caring, healing, teaching and serving all. For more information, visit the Alameda Health System website.

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