Santee Chamber Weekly Update 06AUG26

Hello Santee!

As local students prepare for a new school year, I had the privilege of helping distribute backpacks during the 12th Annual Buddy’s Backpacks & School Supply Drive. This is one of my favorite feel-good events of the year to volunteer for, and it is always inspiring to see volunteers, community organizations, local leaders, and event partners come together to help families select backpacks filled with the supplies students need to begin the school year ready to learn.

Started in 2015 by community advocate Buddy Rabaya in partnership with the Santee Mobilehome Owners Action Committee, this program was created to support families who may be struggling with the cost of school supplies. Buddy, who was named the Santee Chamber’s 2018 Person of the Year, passed away in 2020, but his legacy of generosity continues through this meaningful community tradition.

Thanks to the support of local businesses, nonprofit organizations, volunteers, and generous donors, another 1,000 students received backpacks and essential school supplies this year. Since the program began, Buddy’s Backpacks has now helped more than 15,000 students and families, and that number continues to grow.

Seeing the excitement on students’ faces as they selected their backpacks was a heartwarming reminder that this event provides much more than school supplies. It helps students begin the year with confidence and reminds local families that their community is here to support them.

Thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered, and helped make the 2026 Buddy’s Backpacks event possible. Together, we can continue Buddy’s legacy and encourage others to #BeLikeBuddy.