What’s all the excitement?

The Third Street Olympic Games is back! It’s a fun-filled family day that celebrates sports, community and giving. Kids compete in a host of Olympic themed games while friends and family cheer them on from the stands. To gain admission, each student donates a backpack filled with new school supplies to a local homeless child. The event also raises money to help combat massive budget cuts at Third Street Elementary. Afterwards, we all enjoy a family style BBQ cooked by volunteer parents!

Who are the children in need?

More than 14,000 children living in Los Angeles are homeless. The average age is 9. School aged children make up 1/3 of the local homeless population.

This is the third annual event. What were the results from the first two years?

In 2008, nearly a 1000 people attended. The result: 814 backpacks (valued at $42/ea totaling $34,188) donated to local homeless youth and $1,500 raised for Third Street Elementary.

In 2009, more than 1500 people got involved. The result: 1200 backpacks (valued at $42/ea totaling $50,400) donated to children in need and $12,000 raised for the school.

2010 RESULTS: 1,607 backpacks with school supplies for local homeless children and an additional $19,000 raised for our own public school. NOTE: These results do not include revenue from our on-line charitybuzz auction which closed June 22nd. So expect these numbers to increase significantly in July. Thanks to an amazing effort from students, friends, family and sponsors we have shatterred our 2010 goals. Great job everyone!

Why is the event themed “Pass The Torch”?

Pass the Torch is a rally cry for students, families, friends and area businesses. Keep the light of education burning. Be part of the movement. Kid to kid. Family to family. Business to Business. Fill a backpack. Make a donation. Volunteer. Whatever you can do. Together we can make a difference.

Is there a cost to get in to the event?

Teachers and students who fill backpacks enter at no cost, eat for free and get a free t-shirt. We ask for a minimum donation of $10 on the website or at the door from each adult and non-participating child.

Where do the empty backpacks come from?

Our title sponsor, GNC has graciously donated 1500 brand new, high quality backpacks! All we have do is fill them with new school supplies. Ask your teacher or the school office for another backpack if you want to fill more than one.

How do the backpacks get from our school to the children in need?

School On Wheels is a local non profit organization that distributes the backpacks to homeless children living in Los Angeles and provides 1 on 1 tutoring.  www.schoolonwheels.org.

If I can’t make it to the event on June 5th should I still fill up a backpack?

YES! You still have the opportunity to donate a filled backpack by bringing it to school prior to the Olympics. We need your help to reach our goals!