Kawhi Leonard, the L.A. Clippers Foundation and non-profit community partner Baby2Baby, announced a gift of over 33,000 backpacks at his former elementary school Cloverdale Elementary School for every single student in the Moreno Valley Unified. This is part of a one million backpack donation to southern California districts including Inglewood Unified and Los Angeles Unified School Districts.
“We are deeply honored and touched by Kawhi Leonard of the L.A. Clippers for coming back to his hometown of Moreno Valley to give back to Cloverdale Elementary School where it all got started,” said Superintendent Dr. Martinrex Kedziora. “It was a transformational experience for all students who received backpacks and had a chance to meet him in person.”
Each Cloverdale student was given a Clippers backpack with an embroidered patch of Leonard’s signature on it. Students who attended the surprise assembly received a free t-shirt with Leonard’s name and number on it.
“We hope it serves as a memory of this incredible gesture and as a source of inspiration for our students to never give up on their dreams and aspirations,” said Dr. Kedziora.
The backpack giveaway is intended to reduce stress on low-income families headed back to school across Southern California. Backpacks for all students across the district will be distributed throughout the next several weeks.
“My goal this year is to make a meaningful contribution both on and off the court. This felt like the right way to get started,” said Kawhi Leonard. “It was important to me to make this announcement in my hometown of Moreno Valley at my former Elementary School, but the benefits this program will have across all of Los Angeles makes today even more special.”
“It’s not every day that a prominent figure in the spotlight gives back to their community,” said Board of Education President Jesús Holguín. “To see Kawhi visit his roots in Moreno Valley with the intent to make a difference in our youth’s lives is truly remarkable and shows his sense of pride of coming from this very place.”
“The students were so excited to meet him,” said Board of Education Vice President Cleveland Johnson. “They were so nervous that they couldn’t even speak! I am glad to see our alumni visit us and give back to their community. This is what it’s all about!”