BIGGS, CA (MPG) – As the start to the 2020 school year approached, incoming Biggs High School Senior, Jackie Gonzalez, decided to organize a special supply drive for those who may be in need.

The inspiration for her Back-to-School Supply Drive 2020 drive-thru was a response to COVID19 and how it has affected many families and the education system as a whole. “I knew a lot of parents had lost their jobs, so I didn’t know if they could afford to buy supplies for their kids or not.”  Gonzales felt that COVID’s reach caused many students and families to change or forego traditional back-to-school shopping, while others expected virtual learning to require less supplies. “Maybe kids didn’t think they needed it, but then they really did.” Whatever the need, Gonzales says, “I just wanted to help out.”

Gonzales used Facebook to get the word out about her Back-to-School Supply Drive 2020, setting up an Amazon Wishlist and turning to the community for help with donations.  She says that parents of fellow student and the community were pivotal in helping her acquire supply donations and help compile the grab-bags full of pens, colored pencils, notebooks and more.

In nine days, this astounding young woman was able to organize 100 backpacks full of supplies she made available to Biggs and Richvale students the Sunday before the first day of school. Gonzales and her helpers set up shop outside Biggs Elementary School on the morning of August 30^th and saw a lot of traffic. She reports that the drive-thru was a success. A total of 80 out of 100 bags were given out.  Extras would be given to schools for children that may not have been able to attend or who may be in need.

Gonzales said, “Thank you to everyone who came out and got supplies! Also a huge thank you to everyone who donated and was able to make this possible!” She continues, “This was such a fun experience and I hope everyone’s kids have a great first day of School!”