Nearly 2,000 children in Clark County foster care will head back to school this fall with new backpacks and supplies, thanks to community response that generated nearly $362,000 in donations during the County's three-week Back-to-School initiative.
Local residents, businesses, and organizations donated backpacks, school supplies, and other essentials. Clark County also provided shoes and haircut vouchers. Nearly 150 volunteers contributed hundreds of hours during public volunteer sessions from July 22-25, including 50 volunteers from Southwest Airlines for the distribution event on July 23, working alongside staff to prepare personalized packages for each child.
The comprehensive services provided included new backpacks filled with school supplies, essential classroom supplies like tissue and disinfecting wipes, new shoes, supplies for little learners aged 0-3 including diapers and wipes, and immunizations and sports physicals creating a one-stop shop for school needs.
A total of 1,795 backpacks were donated, with 1,900 child registrations processed to service children ages 0-3 with supplies from Baby’s Bounty on July 23, and school-aged children with backpacks and school supplies from July 23 to August 7, continuing through Peggy's Attic after July 25. Additionally, 220 children in foster care signed up for immunizations and/or sports physicals through FirstMed.
“As these children head back to school with their new supplies, they will carry with them not just backpacks and pencils, but the knowledge that their community believes in them,” said Commissioner Gibson. “That is a lesson that will last far beyond any school year.”
The initiative was led by Clark County Family Services and Commissioners Jim Gibson and Marilyn Kirkpatrick, in collaboration with Baby's Bounty, Canyon Ridge Christian Church, Capriotti's Sandwich Shop, CASA Las Vegas, Clark County, Clark County Fire Department, Cut & Taste, Daughters of the American Revolution Las Vegas Springs Chapter, Eagle Quest, Events With A Twist LLC, First 5 Nevada, FirstMed Health & Wellness, Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, Foster Kinship, Lazy Dog Restaurant - Town Square, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Paul Mitchell The School, Peggy's Attic Clark County Family Services, Picerne Real Estate Group/Ron Picerne, Raise the Future, Scouts of America Las Vegas Area Council, Share in the Joy, Spring Valley Baptist Church, Southwest Airlines, Stage House Las Vegas, Therapy Blocks LLC, Trilogy by Shea Homes, Twist and Glow Facepainting, and Western Elite. The program exemplifies Clark County's comprehensive approach to supporting vulnerable children---combining immediate assistance through initiatives like this with long-term solutions through foster care placement, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Another Way to Make a Difference: Become a Foster Parent
While the Back-to-School drive addresses immediate needs, Clark County Family Services emphasizes that becoming a foster parent offers another meaningful way to support these children year-round.
“Foster families make a lasting impact that goes far beyond school supplies—they provide the love, stability, and support these children need to thrive,” said Commissioner Kirkpatrick.
Clark County Family Services continues seeking individuals interested in becoming foster parents, providing comprehensive training, ongoing support, and resources to help foster families succeed.
Supporting Children in Foster Care Year-Round:
- Donate: Peggy's Attic accepts donations throughout the year. To schedule your drop off, visit clarkcountyfostercare.com and click on Peggy’s Attic or call them at 702-455-5424.
- Foster Care: Learn about becoming a foster parent at clarkcountyfostercare.com.
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Clark County is a dynamic and innovative organization dedicated to providing top-quality service with integrity, respect and accountability. With jurisdiction over the world-famous Las Vegas Strip and covering an area the size of New Jersey, Clark is the nation’s 11th-largest county and provides extensive regional services to 2.4 million citizens and 45.6 million visitors a year (2022). Included are the nation’s 7th-busiest airport, air quality compliance, social services and the state’s largest public hospital, University Medical Center. The County also provides municipal services that are traditionally provided by cities to 1 million residents in the unincorporated area. Those include fire protection, roads and other public works, parks and recreation, and planning and development.