Kinecta Federal Credit Union's annual backpack distribution event, now in its 13th year, last week provided backpacks and school supplies to more than 800 needy students.

The distribution event, held at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, reached a total of 846 Southern California students in grades 3-12.

The backpacks and school supplies were donated by Kinecta members, employees and the public following a call for donations during the month of July. A second distribution event will be held on August 24 to distribute backpacks and supplies to organizations in Rochester, New York.

“We are proud to be hosting Kinecta’s 13th Backpack Distribution Event to help make going back to school a little brighter for children in need,” said Latrice McGlothin, executive director of the Kinecta Community Foundation in a statement. “We thank our members, employees, supporters and the community for their donations.”

This Backpack Drive Distribution event supported children through the following organizations in Southern California: Al Wooten Jr. Youth Center, East Side Riders Bike Club, Environmental Charter School, GRYD Foundation, Los Angeles Police Department Southeast Division, Parents of Watts, Richstone Family Center, St. Albert the Great, Thomas House Family Shelter, Verbum Dei High School, Watts/Century Latino Organization, and others.

Since launching its backpack drive in 2010, Kinecta has helped nearly 6,000 students.

All told, during 2021, Kinecta, its subsidiaries, and employees donated more than $880,000 to charitable causes, volunteered over 5,100 hours, and participated in more than 225 community events.

Kinecta Federal Credit Union, headquartered in Manhattan Beach, is the country's 35th largest credit union, with assets of $6.6 billion and more than 270,000 member-owners. Its 800+ employees serve members from 32 credit union-owned branches, a variety of specialty offices, and call centers on both coasts.