In need of back-to-school supplies for Loleta Elementary School

LOLETA, Calif. (KIEM) –St.Joseph’s Hospital in Eureka provides money for a resource center in Humboldt County. But, because of the coronavirus, they have not been able to have their back-to-school fundraiser event. 

Loleta Community Resource Center is doing what it can do, providing school supplies for students at Loleta Elementary. St.Joseph’s Hospital couldn’t donate backpacks and school supplies to the community resource centers like they have in previous years because of the fear of spreading COVID19. 

“It has our hands tied because the funding that we have through the programs I mentioned to you is limited. So we will have some things but not as much as we used to through the hospitals,” Marcelina Mejia de Castillo, Service Coordinator. 

Loleta Elementary School and Community Resource center have received help from the Fortuna Kiwanis Club that has stepped in to provide additional school supplies that are lacking.

“This is the first year we won’t have backpacks, which is something we have always looked forward to. We have to make do with what we have,” Autumn Chapman, Loleta Elementary School Principal. 

Ninety-three percent of the students at Loleta Elementary School come from low-income homes.  On top of that, their school is hurting for supplies. So now they’re asking for public donations and can contact Loleta Community Resource Center.

Loleta Elementary will be having a welcome back event tomorrow night from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. They will be serving food along with offering additional services. Hoping to make families feel welcome for the upcoming school year.