School supply giveaway takes place in National City

NATIONAL CITY, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Nearly 500 preselected families lined up bright and early outside of Olivewood Elementary in National City Wednesday, one week before the start of the new school year.

Parents and their kids entered the campus to enjoy a free shopping spree.

“It’s our first time getting invited to one of these, so I told my kids we’re going to do it and so it’s kind of like an outing for them. I really appreciate it because I know I struggle every school year,” said Sandra Vasquez, a single mother of two.

The annual school supply giveaway is hosted by the National Police Department.

“We’ve been doing this program for a long time and we’ve been modifying it this year,” said Police Chief Alejandro Hernandez. “I think it’s kind of unique. We are really wanting to help the community and help the schools here.”

From regular clothes to school uniforms, families also got to select backpacks, pick out school supplies, and some kids even got a free haircut.

By partnering up with the National School District, the yearly event is made possible thanks to the generous contributions made by community partners.

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