500 Backpacks Distributed in Cathedral City

The event, running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., allows children to select from 15 different colored backpacks and choose their own school supplies. Each child also receives two books through donated materials.

Jesse Borrego, president of the Cathedral City Police Officers Association, said the initiative began three years ago when he worked as a school resource officer in local elementary schools. After consulting with principals about student needs, he learned that many hardworking families in the valley struggle to afford school supplies.

"We have a lot of hardworking parents out here that can't make ends meet and needed help with school supplies," Borrego said.