It Takes a Village: Back to School with Dignity 2026

On a quiet Thursday afternoon, Mary walked into West Valley Community Services to register her two young daughters, Kaitlyn and Emma, for the upcoming school

Two smiling siblings at the Back-to-School program holding backpacks.

year. To anyone passing by, she was simply a devoted single mother checking off a back-to-school errand. But behind her warm smile was a story of quiet, profound strength. Earlier that morning, Mary had undergone a grueling chemotherapy treatment. She spent the middle of the day resting just enough to gather the physical energy needed to make it through the registration door. For Mary, battling major health challenges meant that every drop of energy was precious, and ensuring Kaitlyn and Emma were cared for was her absolute priority.

A child shows off her new backpack at our Back to School event!

Disclosing her situation, Mary shared that WVCS programs have been a true lifeline, offering steady relief during her hardest moments. Beyond preparation for the classroom, support has touched her family year-round: relying on our Market for fresh, nutritious groceries ensures her daughters have healthy meals on the table, while subsidized Summer Camp gave Kaitlyn and Emma unforgettable summer adventures as Mary rested and recovered. Cake4Kids brought pure joy on their birthdays with handcrafted custom cakes, and the Gift of Hope program ensured holiday magic reached their home. Together with Back To School, these resources give Mary one less burden to carry so she can focus  on healing and being present for her daughters.

Children and their parents select new school supplies aided by a volunteer!

That same spirit of holistic care drove our Back To School with Dignity Program 2026, which brought our neighborhood together so that more than 204 local TK through high-school students, including Kaitlyn and Emma, could step into their classrooms feeling prepared, included, and proud. The highlight took place at Old Navy at Westgate Mall,

Young girl poses holding up her new clothes next to a volunteer.

where each child was paired with a volunteer to select new clothes reflecting their own personality. Students also received stuffed backpacks, books, dental hygiene kits courtesy of Remember the Tooth Fairy, snacks, and Safeway gift cards. The Lions Club provided vision screenings to remove hidden learning barriers, while Kiwanis fueled our kids with books and a warm breakfast.

The backpack station.

An impactful program  like this takes an entire village. Rotarians directed traffic and chaperoned students; Starbucks fueled volunteers starting at 5:00 a.m.; and Federal Realty alongside Old Navy welcomed all with open arms. Countless local sponsors contributed supplies, funding, and volunteer hours.

A family expresses their gratitude for the work that goes into the Back to School program!

When a community invests in its children, it wraps a strong safety net around parents like Mary, replacing overwhelming anxiety with dignity and hope. Together, we gave local students a strong start and proved that no family has to face life's hardest battles alone.