Galilee Center will once again support local children and families with its annual Backpack Distribution Giveaway, taking place on Thursday, August 7, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Galilee Center in Mecca.
Thanks to a generous grant from BIGHORN Golf Club, Galilee Center will distribute hundreds of backpacks filled with essential school supplies to students in need.
How to Receive a Backpack
- Distribution Date: Thursday, August 7, 2025
- Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
- Location: Galilee Center, Mecca
- Required: Parent or guardian must present a School ID, Report Card, or School Registration
- Note: Children do not need to be present to receive a backpack
Donation Drop-Off Locations
Community members may donate new backpacks and school suppliesfromJuly 1 through July 28 at the following locations:
Unitarian Universalist Church of the Desert
72425 Via Vail, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
(Contact church office for hours of operation)
Agape Salon & Spa
69930 California 111, Ste 101, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Open 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
“This event is more than just handing out backpacks,” said Claudia Castorena, Co-Founder of Galilee Center. “It’s a chance to show the children in our community that we believe in them and are here to support their education. With help from our partners and supporters, we are making sure each child starts the school year with the tools they need to succeed.”
Each backpack will include age-appropriate school supplies such as notebooks, paper, pencils, crayons, folders, glue sticks, and more.
Volunteer Opportunities|
Galilee Center welcomes volunteers to assist with this meaningful event:
- Wednesday, August 6 | 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Help sort and pack backpacks with supplies. - Thursday, August 7 | 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Help distribute backpacks to families.
To volunteer, please call 760-396-9100.
Support the Cause
If you can’t drop off supplies, consider a monetary donation at www.galileecenter.org. Your generosity helps children start the school year with confidence.
For media inquiries, live coverage requests, or interviews with co-founders Claudia Castorenaor Gloria Gomez, please contact Galilee Center at 760-396-9100.
