Glenknoll fifth grader organizes successful school supplies drive in benefit of homeless students

Alex Bartolo, a 5th grade student at Glenknoll Elementary School in Yorba Linda, is no stranger to helping out his community.

In years past, Alex had the opportunity to work alongside fellow classmates in Mrs. Valerie Coulombe’s class, a former teacher in the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD). She often encouraged her students to help those in need. Mrs. Coulombe and her students regularly created care kits for families of active duty military and local homeless individuals. Just recently, Alex saw a different need in the community and created his own unique project.

Before the start of the 2018-19 school year in PYLUSD, Alex formed a partnership with Rainbow Kids Hairstyling in Yorba Linda to collect backpacks and school supplies for students in the school district. He created a donation site on Facebook and started promoting his cause with the help of friends, family, teachers, and community members.

In the end, Alex was was able to collect over forty backpacks and boxes of school supplies for PYLUSD McKinney Vento families, and for students at HIS House in Placentia. Both organizations support local students and families who are living in transitional situations.

“We are so proud of Alex!” exclaimed Jon Matson, PYLUSD McKinney Vento Liaison. “It is heartwarming to see our students reach out to their peers and make a difference in the lives of others. Alex exemplifies dedication and creativity, and we are pleased to have him in our school district.”