Cathedral City Police Officers Association Hosts Back-to-School Supply Giveaway

The Cathedral City Police Officers Association distributed 500 backpacks and 300 school supply kits to local families during their annual back-to-school event Thursday at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater.

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.

The association's nonprofit arm funds the event through donations from community supporters. Organizers typically distribute all backpacks by 1 p.m., though the event continues until 2 p.m. with additional supplies available for late arrivals.

The event requires six months of planning and coordination with local vendors and nonprofit organizations. To address desert heat concerns, organizers provided water slides, a DJ, arts and crafts stations, and vendors offering additional services to families.

Water and cooling stations were available throughout the event to ensure participant safety during midday July temperatures.