This past weekend, members of the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake delivered backpacks filled with back-to-school supplies to the children of Casa Hogar Infantil Uriel in Tijuana.
The children’s home cares for approximately 35 boys and girls, ages 4 to 18, and the start of a new school year brings an added need for backpacks, notebooks, pencils, folders, crayons, markers, and other classroom essentials.
With support from our club and a Rotary District 5340 matching grant, we helped make sure the children began the school year prepared, confident, and ready to learn.
The project supports one of Rotary’s key Areas of Focus: Basic Education and Literacy. Something as simple as having the right school supplies can remove a practical barrier to learning and help a child participate more fully in the classroom.
But the day was about much more than handing out backpacks. Members spent time visiting, playing games, and sharing plenty of smiles with the children.
“We had a great time with the kids! Carlos and Víctor were amazing playing games with the children, and I’d also like to thank Julio, Tonie, Alegría, and Laura for helping pass out the treats and backpacks and taking pictures. Thank you to all our members who contributed to this project through donations and support. Great teamwork!”
— Miriam Gonzalez, President, Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake
For our club, this project represents much more than a one-time backpack giveaway.
Over the years, the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake has developed a special relationship with Casa Hogar Infantil Uriel. Our members have helped with plumbing repairs, bathroom renovations, exterior painting, signage, a larger water heater, a computer lab, and new computers. We have also shared memorable days with the children, including a mural and art project celebrating Día de los Niños and Rotarians at Work Day.
Our commitment is rooted in sustainability, follow-through, and relationships. We want the children to know that our support does not end when one project is completed.
This back-to-school effort was another opportunity to demonstrate that belief in a child’s potential knows no boundaries.
We are grateful to Rotary District 5340 for helping us extend the impact of our club’s contribution—and especially grateful to the leaders and caregivers at Casa Hogar Infantil Uriel for the extraordinary work they do every day.
Service Above Self, one backpack—and one brighter future—at a time.