Norwalk gives away backpacks at concert

Norwalk residents receive backpacks before the new school year begins. (Photo by Vincent Medina)

NORWALK - Local students received backpacks and school supplies during the Norwalk city hall concert Wednesday afternoon.

The American Mortgage Alliance Company partnered with the city and gave away 262 backpacks to students.

In Norwalk La-Mirada Unified School District, students started their new semester Thursday morning.

Maria Punso and her two children, Anely Perez, 11, and Angel Perez, 9, were nervous to start their new school year but relieved to save money on supplies.

"A lot of people spend money for other stuff and don't have enough money for backpacks," Anely said.

A study by savings.com estimates that parents will spend $697 on school supplies during the 2022 - '23 school year.

Sasha Gonzalez brought her brother Jackson Nevarez, 6, to the event to receive his backpack.

"I know a lot of people who are struggling and need these," Gonzalez said.

Sara Sanchez supervised the AMAC booth and helped to coordinate the backpack giveaway.

"I graduated from Norwalk High School in '07," Sanchez said. "We were looking for a place to donate the rest of these backpacks, and I have a contact in the recreation department. I knew people here could use them."

The next city hall concert is Wed, Aug. 17.