BAKERSFIELD - Time is running out to donate to our annual backpack drive. KGET is teaming with the Bakersfield Homeless Center, taking your donations of backpacks and school supplies. It helps students in need start the school year on the right foot.
More than 100 kids slept at the Homeless Center Tuesday night. Kaden Krontz was one.
"Pretty much it would be embarrassing not having a backpack. Then I couldn't carry my stuff so I'd have to carry it in my hands," said Kaden.
At eight years old, Kaden is worried about what kids will think of him on the first day of school, since his family lost everything.
"And I always thought, why are all of those people in the shelter until it hit me. I'm in their shoes and I'll never again think that way ever again," said Trina Krontz, Kaden's mother.
Trina and her kids now rely on the center for things they can no longer afford, things like back-to-school supplies. Her kids don't like thinking about what could happen if they don't get them.
"I'd just feel embarrassed because people might make fun of me," said 10-year-old Aautomn Krontz.
"Our kids that reside here, I think they already have enough challenges. They've had enough challenges. We want to make it as normal as we can," said Carolann Wooton, External Affairs Manager at the Bakersfield Homeless Center.
And for Kaden and his sister, they wish for brand new backpacks with things they like.
"A transformer backpack," said Kaden.
And, Aautomn would like one to match her ring, with peace signs.
"Because I like peace," said Aautomn.
And, it's a small piece anyone can give from a bag to papers and pens. The donations offer a fresh start, opening up countless opportunities. So one day, those helped now can give back too, and for that they are grateful.
"Thank you for giving me the stuff. I really like it," said Aautomn.
The goal is to collect 500 backpacks filled with supplies for the kids at the Homeless Center, students in the aftercare program and in the Alliance Against Family Violence. You can drop donations off at our KGET studios or at the Homeless Center through August 14th.
Gift cards and cash donations are welcome as well. The backpacks and supplies will be handed out August 17th.