Valley Families Unite Delivers Over $3000 in School Supplies While Urging Protection of Education Funding
“Cuts to education funding undermine the future of our children and the quality of education they receive. We urge Congressman Calvert to hear our voices and protect the funding that is crucial for our schools.”
Menifee, California – Last weekend, Valley Families Unite gave away over $3000 in backpacks and school supplies to local families for the upcoming school year. The event, held at the Menifee Public Library was not only aimed to support local families but also served as a platform to advocate against proposed cuts to education funding at the federal level.
This donation drive is part of a district-wide effort to hold Congressman Ken Calvert accountable to not make cuts to education funding. Congressman Calvert has a record of voting for cuts like education that would negatively impact thousands of Californians in his own district as well as the state.
Valley Families Unite's organizer Marvin Andrade stated, “Today’s event was about more than just giving away backpacks; it was about showing our community's strength and unity in standing up for the educational needs of our children. Cuts to education funding undermine the future of our children and the quality of education they receive. We urge Congressman Calvert to hear our voices and protect the funding that is crucial for our schools.”
Valley Families Unite organizers welcome families to the giveaway | Photo Credit: Valley Families Unite
Heather Totoreti, President of the Menifee Teachers Association, expressed her concerns, saying, “As a teacher, I see firsthand the impact that budget cuts have on our classrooms. Why are we removing $2.2 billion from programs that help teachers? Our kids deserve the best educators. It's heartening to see the community come together like this to support our students, but we need sustainable funding to ensure they have the resources they need year-round.”
In addition to the distribution of supplies, attendees were encouraged to sign postcards addressed to Congressman Ken Calvert, urging him to oppose cuts to education funding in this year’s appropriations bills. The hand-written notes will be delivered to Congressman Calvert's office amplifying the community's call to action.
Children lineup for free backpacks and school supplies while parents fill-out postcards calling on Rep.Calvert to protect education funding. | Photo Credit: Valley Families Unite
Kristina Turner, a parent of middle school students, shared her thoughts, “These supplies are a huge help for my family, but it’s troubling to think about what will happen if education funding is reduced. Cutting $8.6 billion from K-12 education would mean my child’s school would lose crucial resources impacting their learning environment. Our children deserve better. I hope Congressman Calvert listens to our concerns and acts in the best interest of our kids.”
The event underscored the community’s efforts to prioritize education and advocate for the necessary funding to support local schools. Reducing Title I Grants by $4.7 billion would directly affect low-income students in Riverside County, making it harder for them to get a quality education. Additionally, the proposed $75 million cut to community schools means fewer services for families and students, especially in underserved areas.
Valley Families Unite remains committed to supporting students and families and will continue to push for policies that benefit education and call on Congressman Ken Calvert to protect critical funding for our schools.
For media inquiries, please contact Mario Vasquez Zuniga at 661-483-4927 or mario@valleyfamiliesunite.org.
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Valley Families Unite represents a shared vision of economic prosperity for working families and accountable leadership in California. With the collective strength of Courage California, Inland Empire United, Communities for a New California Action Fund and Lower Costs California, we are eager to hold our elected officials accountable for fighting for the economic well-being of California families.
