Organizations give back with stuffed backpacks

FREMONT— Amcor and Golden State Foods, also known as GSF, teamed up to equip 240 first-grade students in Fremont Schools with brand-new backpacks, all filled with essential school supplies. On Aug. 21, during the district's annual back-to-school night, employees from both companies hand-delivered backpacks to every first-grade classroom. Each backpack includes not only school necessities but also a handwritten note of encouragement from an Amcor team member and a McDonald's french fry coupon, a playful nod to the unique supply chain connection between Amcor, GSF and McDonald's. Many helping out with this project spoke up about its overall importance: • "This initiative is about more than just school supplies: It's about giving students a strong start and showing families they're supported. Working together with Golden State Foods allows us to amplify that impact and build stronger communities through collaboration." — Ethan Haas, chair of the Amcor Cares Foundation "At GSF, community involvement is at the heart of who we are. Partnering with Amcor to support Fremont's first-graders through our back(pack)-to-school program reflects our shared values and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to start school feeling prepared and confident." — Vanessa Hugon Badel, executive director of the GSF Foundation, GSF's national nonprofit that's associate run and associate-funded. "We're incredibly grateful for this partnership and the generosity shown to our students. When local businesses come together like this to support education, it sends a powerful message to our children: You matter, and we believe in your future. — Denice Hirt, Fremont Schools superintendent "The initiative reflects all three organizations' commitment to investing in the long-term well-being of local communities, starting with the youngest learners," according to an event statement.