LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Backpack Project for St. Cornelius School


Starting from the top row, left to right: St. Stephen's Church members Steve Klein, Julie Gutzwiller, Morgan Gutzwiller, Barbara Van Sickle, Rev. Mary Hudak, Dede Kerr, Gaby Blake, next row l-r starting with little girl: Mary Smith, Molly Davis, Kimi Klein, Roxy Klein, Carol Brovelli, next the kids in front starting with two boys, then the three girls l-r: James Marvel, Matt Klein, Katie Klein, Cassidy Goodman, Kelsey Wendt. Not Pictured: Julie Marvel, Court and Maddie Houseworth

This summer as vacations came to an end, days became shorter and August approached, reminding families that the new school year was close at hand, an idea came to several members of St. Stephens Church of Orinda. Realizing the expensive costs of sending kids back to school and knowing in these difficult times many people wouldn't be able to afford new school supplies, St. Stephen's Outreach Committee started the "Backpack Project, " promising to donate 100 backpacks and school supplies to St. Cornelius School in Richmond.

St. Cornelius is an elementary school that provides underprivileged children in the Richmond area a chance to have a great education and stay safe despite living in poverty.

In order to fulfill this ambitious project, St. Stephens reached out to the community at large, and received an enthusiastic response. Many families generously answered the plea for help and countless backpacks were given to the church, the donators expecting no thank you or recognition. Together St. Stephen's and the Lamorinda community were able to successfully give all 100 backpacks to St. Cornelius for Kindergarten through 3rd grade.

On Monday, August 17th community and church members alike gathered to assemble the backpacks and supplies and deliver them to St. Cornelius School, where the excited students came with their parents to pick out a new backpack filled with all the supplies needed for the year! This project was especially significant because it allowed families to help fellow families, and kids to help other kids. It was a heart-warming experience for everyone involved, and left a lasting impression of the generosity of our wonderful community. We hope to make this an annual event, if interested in helping next year, please call St. Stephen's Church at 254-3770 or email roxygklein@comcast.net.