【News Agency America, Los Angeles】Under the inspiring leadership of District Governor Angel Peil, 2025 Lions Clubs Intl D4-L2's 『Back to School Backpack/STEM Drive』was another home-run success. This three-day community service event, themed “From Legacy to Unity”，took pride in the spirit of “Best of the West”.

Lions Clubs Intl D4-L2  District Governor Angel Peil（Center）

This large-scale service project brought together more than 25 Lions Clubs and Leo Clubs across Los Angeles County, who worked together to prepare and distribute backpacks filled with school supplies and STEM educational item.

 

The project aimed not only to help students prepare for the new school year but also to foster curiosity, resilience, and mental health among young people, while supporting Lions Clubs International's global initiatives, including youth empowerment, vision care, and mental health promotion.

Lions Clubs Intl D4-L2  District Governor Angel Peil（Right）on Backpacking Day

Representatives from different Lions Clubs and Leo Clubs across LA County on Backpacking Day

The event kicked off with a “Backpacking Day”at one El Monte warehouse, where dozens of volunteers gathered to sort out the school supplies.

 

The volunteers weres set ready to deliver the backpacks to schools and community partner organizations throughout Los Angeles County, including elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as support centers serving traumatized families and foster youth.

Volunteers On Backpacking Day

Volunteers On Backpacking Day

Volunteers On Backpacking Day

Volunteers On Backpacking Day

At all destinations, Lions Club members heard many heartwarming stories that highlighted the core of the program—mental health, healing, and hope.

 

At the Alliance for Relative Caregivers, a local advocate shared how they assist children raised by grandparents and relatives due to addiction or trauma. She emphasized, “Every backpack is not just about supplies; it’s a symbol of care—a care that helps families regain their strength.”

At the donation ceremony for Foster Home at St. Luke's Church

At the donation ceremony for Foster Home at St. Luke's Church, Director Angel Peil delivered a speech

At the donation ceremony for Foster Home at St. Luke's Church, the importance of in-school mental health services was emphasized

At Dolores Mission School

At Dolores Mission School, District Governor Angel Peil was speaking with the children

At Dolores Mission School, 1st VDG Jany Huang（center）was sitting among the Lions

Alex Wei (1st from Left), founder of the non-profit organization 『Stars of Tomorrow Management』, was showing a telescope

At Dolores Mission School,  District Governor Angel Peil and1st VDG Jany Huang were helping children with their backpacks

At Dolores Mission School

At Dolores Mission School, faculty emphasized the importance of providing in-school therapy services for children facing emotional and academic challenges; while schools in the Los Nietos Unified School District showcased how combining Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) with counseling can help students grow holistically beyond academics.

 

A mental health advocate shared: “Education is not just about imparting knowledge, but also about cultivating character, empathy, and solidarity. This is how we develop future leaders.”

At West Whittier Elementary School

At West Whittier Elementary School

At West Whittier Elementary School

At West Whittier Elementary School，District Governor Angel Peil（3rd from Right）、West Whittier Elementary School Principal Lisa El Sabbagh（1st from Left）、School District Liaison Patricia Del Castillo (1st from Right），Whittier Host Lions Club  Ray Perez（3rd from Left）、John Almeida（2nd from Left）、and Henry Luna（2nd from Right）

West Whittier Elementary School emphasizes the crucial role of community collaboration in supporting holistic education—balancing academic, social, and emotional development.

 

Principal Lisa El Sabbagh stated, “Your presence today makes students feel seen, valued, and supported.”

DAngel Peil (Right) with Alex Wei (Center), founder of the non-profit organization 『Stars of Tomorrow Management』, and San Gabriel Regional Chair Angie Wang（Left）

To further ignite children's curiosity about science, the non-profit organization 『Stars of Tomorrow Management』, in conjunction with Lions Clubs International, generously donated several telescopes to encourage students to explore astronomy and STEM learning.

 

“A simple telescope can unlock the infinite possibilities of the universe,”said Alex Wei, founder of『Stars of Tomorrow Management』.“This is where my love for science began, and I hope more children can have this opportunity.”

District Governor Angel Peil was interviewed by the Media

 

District Governor Angel Peil expressed her warmest gratitude to all partners and volunteers:

 

“This project truly embodies our theme—'Legacy and Unity.' Together, we have demonstrated that the results can be limitless when service, innovation, and love are combined for the future of children. Each backpack represents opportunity, hope, and a promise for tomorrow.”

District Governor Angel Peil (3rd from left) and former District Governor Scarlett Ku (3rd from Left) with others

 

District Governor Angel Peil, 1st VDG Jany Huang and 2nd VDG Imelda Beltran extended their sincere congratulations and gratitude to the organizing committee led by GST Jenny Chia and Lions Clubs Youth President Angie Wang, as well as to all the volunteers who contributed. Special thanks are extended to all Lions Clubs and Lions Clubs Youth Associations that participated in this event, whether as co-organizers or sponsors, for their enthusiasm, cooperation, and generous support, including:

 

Los Angeles Diamond LC、Crescenta Valley LC、CC East Boyle Heights LC、Whittier Host LC、Bellflower Noon LC、Long Beach Uptown Long Beach LC、Arcadia Champion LC、L.A. Host LC、L.A. Industry Hills LC、District 4-L2 Leos；

 

As well as：

DG Angel Peil、FVDG Jany Huang、Environmental Chair Mary Wen、Lion Tommy Chen、Technology Chair Larry Liu、CS Mary Contreras、L.A. Royal LC、L.A. Grace LC、Temple City Centennial LC、San Gabriel Taiwanese LC、L.A. Elite LC、L.A. Morality LC、L.A. Sunrise LC、L.A. Chinese LC、Alhambra LC、Los Angeles Sun LC、L.A. Overseas LC、L.A. Star LC、Rowland Heights LC、L.A. ROC LC、L.A. HH LC 及 Centennial LC，和『Nihao』.

“Your service today forms the foundation for tomorrow’s leaders. We will continue to make D4-L2 a true ‘Best of the West,’” added District Governor Angel Peil.“Let service and care go hand in hand, and let every act of kindness contribute to a brighter, healthier world.”

At Ramona Primary School

At Ramona Primary School

At Ramona Primary School

At Black Infant Health Center

At Black Infant Health Center