Merced kids get free school supplies

Scores of Merced children are better prepared to hit the books this week after a school supplies giveaway on Saturday.

Distinguished Outreach Services, a faith-based group in Merced, gave away about 75 backpacks full of supplies to children at McNamara Park. The bags were filled with pencils, notebooks, glue sticks, erasers and more.

“Pretty much all the stuff they need for school,” said Rachelle Abril, the organization’s program manager.

The event was Distinguished Outreach Services’ 15th annual backpack giveaway, Abril said. Children and others also ate for free at the park.

The supplies and food were provided through donations and grants, she said.

The timing of the backpack-related event was appropriate, as school starts for children across Merced this week.

Distinguished Outreach Services works to provide resources to the less fortunate, particularly in communities in south Merced, Beachwood, Planada and Le Grand.

This story was originally published August 16, 2015 at 3:08 PM with the headline "Merced kids get free school supplies."