Volunteers gather before opening the doors to the Something for Nothing back-to-school giveaway Aug. 1 at The Father's House church in Live Oak. More than 300 children received backpacks, clothing, shoes and school supplies during the community-supported event. From left are Elizabeth Ramirez, Ammanda Mendez, Lynda Greer and Valerie Sanchez. Photo courtesy of Ammanda Mendez

LIVE OAK, CA (MPG) - More than 300 local children received backpacks, clothing, shoes and school supplies during the Something for Nothing Live Oak, Gridley and Biggs giveaway Aug. 1 at The Father's House church in Live Oak.

A line stretched the length of the building before the doors opened as families gathered to prepare for the upcoming school year.

Ammanda Mendez, a stay-at-home mother of four, started the Something for Nothing Live Oak, Gridley and Biggs Facebook group after moving to Live Oak in 2025 and noticing fewer community resources than she had experienced growing up.

Parents and children browse backpacks, clothing and school supplies during the Something for Nothing giveaway Aug. 1 at The Father's House church in Live Oak. Organizers estimate about 325 children received assistance ahead of the new school year. Photo by Seti Long

"When my family first moved to Live Oak in March of 2025, it was a huge adjustment," Mendez said. "I had always lived in larger cities throughout California where community giving was just ... normal."

Mendez said her family struggled financially while she was growing up, and support from others made a lasting impact.

"People helped each other. They shared what they have. They lifted one another up. The poorest always give the most," she said.

With the start of the school year approaching, Mendez decided to organize a community giveaway to help local families.

"I prayed on it, and I felt drawn to do the event. I knew it was going to be a big task, but this community really came through," she said.

Over several months, volunteers collected backpacks, clothing, shoes and school supplies. Mendez said supplies were geared primarily toward students in sixth through 12th grades, whom she believes are often underserved by traditional back-to-school drives.

She said 118 parents registered for the event on behalf of 265 children, but additional families who had not registered were also served. After recounting the remaining inventory, Mendez estimated about 325 children ultimately received assistance.

"My goal was 300 children, so I would say this event was a success," she said.

Ammanda Mendez, founder of the Something for Nothing Live Oak, Gridley and Biggs Facebook group, stands beside hundreds of donated backpacks prepared for distribution during the Aug. 1 back-to-school giveaway in Live Oak. Photo courtesy of Ammanda Mendez

According to Mendez, every backpack, article of clothing and school supply distributed during the event was donated by community members, businesses and organizations.

"This event was 100% community supported and funded. No fancy corporate sponsors, no grants, no tax write-offs," Mendez said. "Every single backpack, school supply and piece of clothing was given freely from the hearts of members and organizations in Live Oak, Gridley and Biggs."

The Something for Nothing group has previously hosted a household goods giveaway and semiannual "free sales," where donated items are offered free to community members.

After the backpack giveaway, volunteers distributed the remaining supplies to additional families through the group's Facebook page.

Mendez said she hopes to expand the effort next year by creating a separate event focused on middle and high school students.

"While planning this event, I came to learn that the sixth-12th graders are very underserved in our community and I feel they need their own specific event to get what they need for school," she said. "That's my plan for next year."

She said the Facebook group continues to connect residents with free items while creating opportunities for neighbors to help one another.

"It's truly amazing the kindness and the giving culture this community has had all along, but never an outlet to pour it out until I created the group," Mendez said. "I am so happy I did. Much more to come in the future!"