Tustin, CA – Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, Orange County United Way and local partners provided over 1,400 school supply kits to students in the Tustin Unified School District through the 3rd Annual Tustin School Supply Drive. The school supply kits—filled with essential items like backpacks, notebooks, paper and writing utensils—will be distributed to elementary students at Title I schools by teachers and Family Resource Centers as the new school year begins.
Launched by Assemblywoman Petrie-Norris and Orange County United Way, the Tustin School Supply Drive aims to help elementary school children start the year prepared, confident, and ready to learn. With the cost of basic school supplies on the rise, many Tustin families face financial barriers that can affect a child’s academic readiness.
“Every student deserves to walk into the classroom feeling confident and prepared,” said Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine). “The Tustin School Supply Drive is about more than backpacks and pencils—it’s about showing our kids that their community believes in them and is here to support their success.”
“We’re thrilled to once again partner with Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris for the Annual Tustin School Supply Drive, delivering over 1,400 school supply kits to support students at seven Title 1 elementary schools in the district. Ensuring that every child has the tools they need to succeed is an investment in stronger communities and brighter futures,” said Susan B. Parks, President and CEO of Orange County United Way.
“We are grateful to be a part of a community that wraps its arms around our students, teachers and schools," said Mark Johnson, Superintendent, Tustin Unified School District. “Across all of our campuses, we are committed to implementing best teaching practices to meet the diverse needs of our students. We are honored to do this work with the support of community partners across TUSD.”
This year’s drive was made possible by donated school supply kits from individuals and local organizations, including the Santa Ana Elks Lodge, Rotary Club of Tustin-Santa Ana, Tustin Community Foundation, and Share Ourselves
The Tustin Unified School District serves over 24,000 students across 30 schools, including 18 elementary schools, a K-8 school, 5 middle schools, and 4 high schools. Of those, eight elementary schools quality as Title I, a federal designation supporting schools with high numbers of students from low-income families. These campuses are dedicated to implementing effective, inclusive teaching strategies that meet the needs of a diverse student population.