KIDS GET READY FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL WITH A BLOCK PARTY AT THE LOS ANGELES MISSION

Disney Donates Free Backpacks and School Supplies for the Coming School Year

September 9, 2006 (Los Angeles, CA) --- Hundreds of children lined up with their families Saturday at the corner of Winston and Wall Streets downtown. They waited anxiously for 11AM to come so that the fun could begin. Some had been there as early as 6AM so they could be the first ones to slide down the giant inflatable slide, feast on chili dogs, and get their picture taken with Mickey Mouse.

This was the scene at the Los Angeles Mission's Annual End of Summer Block Party. An event designed to provide the children of the area with the essentials for back-to-school time, and give them a day to just be kids, free from the harshness associated with downtown streets.

"We are excited to see so many families getting the things they need to help their children do well. The collaborative effort of our staff at the Mission, our partners in the community, and our donors who faithfully support us has not only made this event possible, but makes our daily services for the homeless possible," said the Mission's board chair, Herb Smith. "We are an extension of every donor, their eyes, ears, and arms, ministering to and meeting the needs of the homeless, and it's a privilege we don't take lightly."

Disney sponsored this event for the second year in a row by giving a generous $10,000 donation and providing brand new Disney backpacks with a picture of Mickey Mouse stitched on the front.

Disney employees purchased school supplies and stuffed the backpacks to almost overflowing with paper, pencils, notebooks, calculators - everything a student would need to start the school year right.

The Los Angeles Mission Community Clinic was also on hand providing free dental screenings, blood pressure and blood sugar (diabetes) readings, and handing out free hygiene kits.

"We want to educate families so that they and their children know how they can lead long and healthy lives," said Eddie Estrada, Interim Executive Director of the Los Angeles Mission Community Clinic. "Good health and a good education are the some of the best tools we can give these children to ensure that they have a great foundation for building their lives."

Recent media reports have shown the unpleasant reality of the area of downtown the Los Angeles Mission serves. Everyday, these children see that reality, and it makes it difficult for them to be just kids. Today, they got the chance to run, jump, and play in a safe environment.

Other sponsors for this event included Nestlé who gave more than 500 cans of baby formula, and US Bank who donated $7,500 for the event.

For over 50 years, the Los Angeles Mission has served homeless and hurting men and women of downtown Los Angeles, providing emergency services such as shelter, food, clothing, as well as professional medical and dental services. In addition, the Los Angeles Mission also offers long-term residential rehabilitation programs through its Urban Training Institute, including education, job training, transitional housing and counseling.