The last year and a half brought hardships for nearly everyone, but especially students at every level. In an era of such uncertainty, finding the most basic necessities for class can be difficult for families. That’s where Swish comes in.
“With school coming back in session, we wanted to help the community in our area that is in need…” said Associate
Director of Swish, Kwaku “Ku” Amoaku. “This was a really good project for us to get on board.”
This past August, The Swish Foundation partnered with Ryan Anthony, a local recording artist and owner of ‘Barely See the Beach,’ a San Diego-based streetwear company, and Paving Great Futures to bring the first annual Back to School Backpack Giveaway.
Prior to the event, Swish, Barely See the Beach, and PGF had been collecting backpacks and supplies for about a month in advance. Some of these supplies included pencils, pens, notebooks, calculators, and so much more.
On Saturday, August 28th, an estimated 1000 people in attendance took over the Spring Valley Community Center to enjoy games, a live DJ, vendor giveaways, food and more!
When all was said and done, 30 backpacks, stuffed to the brim with supplies, were donated to the Monarch School, one of the leading educators for students affected by homelessness in San Diego.
Be on the lookout for more community events in the near future, like Coaches Hoop4Hope coming late October!
- Bryce Gallagher