Walking down the halls of Glazier Elementary school as a kindergarden student I had no idea what the ‘real world’ meant. I grew up in Norwalk and attended Glazier all my elementary years. I remember the free school food for breakfast and lunch. Back then I thought, “how nice that schools give free food.” Now I know that my brother and I received those free meals because my parents were struggling. I remember my mom making sure that we took care of our school supplies and the joy I felt when I got a new backpack for school.

As an adult it seems like I have allowed the joy of a new backpack to fade away. I have found, though that with each DBP Backpack Giveaway I attend the kid in me rejoices at the thought of a fresh new box of crayons and the excitement of looking through every pocket of a new backpack. 

In May, Dream Big had the opportunity to visit Glazier Elementary school in Norwalk, CA and provided more than 120 backpacks with school supplies along with the ASES program and McKinney Vento Program. This time, we incorporated craft tables in order to promote creative interaction between students and their parents. Kids were able to choose book, make hats, and create their own bookmarks! 

To make this event even better, our friends from Norwalk Chick-FIL-A sponsored a delicious lunch provided by our town’s most friendly cow! To say the kids were excited is an understatement! 

Personally, being back at Glazier Elementary helped me reflect on my journey as a student in the Norwalk La Mirada district. I was fortunate to come across some of the most passionate and supportive educators and administrators. It is my belief that event like these, allow children to experience how invested the community is in their success and wellbeing as a whole. I strongly feel that children thrive when they are supported in all areas. 

Written by Jennifer Covarrubias