Summer Backpack Drive 2026

Believe it or not, it is time for local children to get ready to go back to school. Did you have the joyful experience of showing up on the first day of school with new supplies? You can help children in low-income families have that happy back-to-school experience.

In July, Bridges to Community will collect new children’s backpacks and $25 Target gift cards for families to purchase the school supplies needed for the backpacks. The backpacks and gift cards will be given to the children of low-income families in the Alta Housing community who are enrolled in summer reading and study group programs. Alta Housing provides low and moderate-income housing for families in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.

Please bring the backpacks to mass on July 11-12 and July 18-19, or bring them to the parish office at St. Nicholas during the week. Please put the gift cards you want to donate in an envelope marked Bridges to Community, and either: 1. Donate them with the backpack at mass, or 2. Put the envelope in the collection basket at mass, or 3. Drop off the envelope at the parish office.

This is a chance to give something from your heart that will make a real difference in the growth and development of children in our local communities. Please consider purchasing and donating multiple $25 gift cards along with a backpack.

Thank you, parishioners, for your generosity.