Backpack giveaway gets students ready for school year

By 2UrbanGirls

Contributing Writer

COMPTON — More than 1,000 backpacks, school supplies and groceries were distributed to Compton residents at Roosevelt Elementary School July 24.

City Councilman Isaac Galvan hosted the eighth annual giveaway in conjunction with Compton school board member Satra Zurita, Compton native Keisean Nixon, who plays for the Las Vegas Raiders, and Chavo Guerrero, a wrestler with WWE.

This was Galvan’s first community event since being re-elected to his third term last month.

“Compton residents can expect more events serving the community and especially with coming out of the pandemic, and little income, this event is needed for our residents,” Galvan said.

Nixon said it’s important to give back to the community, especially since he’s from Compton.

“I’m from here, played sports here, and will continue to give back,” he said. He shared that he has developed a close bond with Galvan and it was easy to say “yes” when asked to participate.

Zurita echoed those sentiments and was happy the event drew out sponsors from around the district.

“There’s a great need in the community and with school starting, it’s very rough for some parents,” Zurita said. “Residents are struggling and kids need the necessary tools to start school and we appreciate all of our sponsors, Keisean [Nixon], Water Replenishment District and United Hands.”

The event drew more than 2,000 residents who lined up to take part in the event.

“My son is in the fifth grade and attends Roosevelt,” Vera Maciel said. “I saw the advertisement on social media and made sure I came out.”

Galvan presented Nixon with the “Compton Community Champion” award and welcomed him back to future events.

“You have an open invitation to come back whenever you want,” Galvan said.

2 Urban Girls is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers who covers the Compton and Inglewood areas. She can be reached at 2urbangirls@gmail.com.