Kinecta Federal Credit Union wrapped up its annual backpack drive this weekend with 600 backpacks provided to local families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Given that most schools are starting the school year with distance learning, this year's drive had been slightly modified from previous years. This year, Kinecta created an Amazon wish list page where people could order and donate school supplies as requested by the organizations. However, as in previous years, the group also collected and distributed backpacks in anticipation of when school would return in person.

On Friday, hundreds of families made their way to the parking lot of Dignity Health Sports Park to pick up the backpacks, school supplies and sweat shirts ahead of the new school year.

“We are so proud that this is our 11th year hosting this backpack giveaway for families in need,” said Latrice McGlothin, Kinecta's community engagement officer. “Local families spend approximately $200 per student each academic year on supplies, and our hope is that this will relieve some of the burden.”

The organization also collected $3800 in monetary donations during the backpack drive. The funds were used to purchase school supplies and additional backpacks.

In addition to the families that picked up backpacks from Dignity Health Sports Park, backpacks were also donated to Kinecta community partners including Al Wooten Jr. Youth Center, Environmental charter, Parents of Watts, Richstone Family Center, GRYD Foundation, Thomas House Family Shelter, Los Angeles Police Department Southeast Division, Watts/Century Latino Organization, and Motorcycle Riders for Homeless Parolees.

“We used to struggle making sure that every child had school supplies for the school year,” said Naomi McSwain, executive director of the Al Wooten Jr. Youth Center. “We haven't had this concern since we started attending Kinecta’s backpack giveaways."

The Manhattan Beach-headquartered Kinecta Federal Credit Union is one of the nation's largest credit unions, with approximately $5 billion in assets, 22 branches, two retail mortgage centers, and 255,000 members nationwide. Located in the South Bay for 80 years, Kinecta partners with, donates to, and invests time in more than 150 nonprofit causes.