With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
One of the country's biggest back-to-school giveaways happens this week
Three year old Saria Amaya waits with her mother after receiving shoes and school supplies during a charity event at the Fred Jordan Mission.
(
MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images
)
For three decades, families in need have turned to the Fred Jordan Mission to get much needed supplies for the school year. Over the years, the annual back-to-school giveaway has become one of the largest in the country.
It's happening again — for the 30th year — this week. Organizers say up to 5,000 children will get clothes, shoes and other items.
"Most of the children who will come to our back-to-school new clothing giveaway have never owned a pair of new shoes of their very own," Willie Jordan, president of the Fred Jordan Mission, told KPCC.
On Tuesday, volunteers will sort thousands of donated items, and Thursday they'll hand them out at the mission, located on Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles. Kids who come can also get a free haircut.
Support for LAist comes from
Corporate partners have helped fill the need but the Mission could still use new blue jeans and backpacks. If you want to help, there's still time to get those donations in.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol.
Best of LAist