Church gives backpacks to children in neighborhood

A local church gave away 36 backpacks to students who live and attend school in the same neighborhood.

The Backpack Fiesta, sponsored by Yosemite Christian Center, was one of several ways in which the church aims to do outreach in the community.

The congregation donated about $500 in offerings to buy backpacks and fill them with school supplies for children in need. Parishioners then contacted staff from the church’s “adopted school” and asked for the names of those who they believed would need their help.

Nearly 40 Millview Elementary School students either received a backpack on Saturday during the giveaway or are set to be delivered one this week, said Larry Lara, who helped during the event...