Photo: Backpacks Provided by San Mateo Police Department:
Originally Published By: San Mateo Police Department Facebook Page:
“The San Mateo Police Activities League (PAL) continues its annual tradition of helping children begin the school year by distributing school supplies at the King Center.
San Mateo, CA – With the start of the 2022-2023 school year within a few days, San Mateo PAL, is hosting its annual Backpack PALooza on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at 725 Monte Diablo Avenue (King Center) from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. San Mateo Police Chief Ed Barberini emphasized the importance and significance of today’s event. Chief Barberini said, “We are very pleased to do our small part by providing school supplies to students who need them at PAL’s annual Backpack PALooza event. I look forward to participating in this event every year. The beginning of the school year can be a stressful time. With this event, we hope to alleviate some of that stress and make sure our kids are prepared to excel during the upcoming school year.”
This year, PAL will be distributing backpacks, books, and school supplies to over 250 children, whose parents registered them for the giveaway prior to today’s event. Additionally, Mike and Sally Mayer and family generously provided each child with a Target gift card, so that every child could purchase a new outfit for the first day of school. The Bay Area Community Health Advisory Council also donated Covid test kits, facemasks, and PPE for every PAL family in attendance.
For the San Mateo Police Department it is important to have a positive community presence in the community and to support students with the tools they need to succeed and to learn. “PAL is committed to serving students throughout our communities. The success of our young people in the classroom largely depends on the resources available to them,” said Chief Barberini.
Our Police Activities League (PAL) engages youth through programs such as juvenile diversion, police explorers, and several enrichment programs. Please visit PAL’s website (sanmateopal.org) for additional program information and learn how you can partner with the San Mateo Police Activities League to keep our kids on track and in school.”
