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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Somos Votantes announced a series of back-to-school giveaway events across Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin, and Michigan throughout August, providing essential school supplies and financial relief to hardworking families as they prepare for the new academic year amid rising costs and a tough job market. 

According to Somos Votantes' 2025 Latino polling series, economic concerns about rising costs and affordability dominate Latino voters' priorities, with 64% of Latino voters continuing to rate the U.S. economy as “poor.” To provide some much-needed relief, Somos partnered with local radio stations and community partners to distribute over 2,300 backpacks and more than $50,000 in gift cards.‍‍

‍"Every family wants to set up their kids for success as they head into the school year. But as school costs pile up — from backpacks to notebooks to new clothes, too many hardworking families are being stretched thin,” said Melissa Morales, President and Founder of Somos Votantes. “Hardworking families power our economy, and they shouldn’t have to choose between setting their kids up for the school year and covering rent or groceries. Our event series is about showing these families they're not in this alone and equipping them with the tools they need so their kids can start the year with confidence to thrive and succeed."‍

The multi-state initiative reflects Somos' commitment to supporting working people, including hardworking Latinos, who power local economies while facing increasing financial pressures. Each event will provide hundreds of backpacks, $50 gift cards, and opportunities to win additional $250 gift cards through raffles. The support comes at a critical time, with Somos polling also showing that among Latino voters, only 14% feel financially comfortable and 24% report having trouble meeting basic expenses.‍

Event Schedule:

• Arizona: August 2nd at Encanto Park, Phoenix (partnering with Power 98.3)
• Nevada: August 9th at Boulevard Mall, East Las Vegas (partnering with Fiesta 98.1)
• Michigan: August 16th at the annual Latinx Festival, Kalamazoo (partnering with El Concilio)
• Wisconsin: August 28th in Milwaukee (partnering with Renace and Voces de la Frontera)

State program managers emphasized the impact these events will have on their communities:‍

"Arizonans work hard and give so much to our economy and communities. With rising prices across the board, every dollar saved on supplies helps working families stay ahead and invest in housing and health care," said Amber Cruz, Arizona Program Manager. "By partnering with Power 98.3, we're reaching families right where they are and providing real, practical support during a crucial time."

"When hardworking Nevadans have what they need, our entire community benefits," said Angel Lazcano, Nevada Program Manager. "Providing school supplies is about an investment in students, in hardworking parents, and in the future leaders who will keep our neighborhoods strong and our economy going."

"This back-to-school event helps relieve pressure on hardworking Wisconsinites so they can focus on building a good life," said Juan García, Wisconsin Program Manager. "We're proud to work alongside Renace and Voces de la Frontera to ensure Milwaukee's working families have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive."

"We hear directly from hardworking Michiganders that rising costs are making it harder to cover everyday basics," said Diego Cano, Michigan Program Manager. "This event responds to what parents tell us they need: real, practical support so they can keep doing what they do best — providing for their loved ones and powering our economy."

The events address a documented need, Somos' recent polling reveals that seven-in-ten Latino voters express negative emotions about the country's current direction, with economic security remaining their top priority. By addressing immediate needs like school supplies – while partnering with local radio stations and community organizations for maximum outreach – the initiative demonstrates Somos' year-round commitment to helping families focus on long-term goals including homeownership, career advancement, and community participation in today's economy.

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About Somos Votantes‍

Somos Votantes is a Latino-led, Latino-focused organization that runs some of the largest independent Latino civic and voter engagement programs in the country. We envision a nation where hardworking Latinos have the opportunities and tools to fully participate in our democracy. Somos Votantes seeks to empower hardworking Latinos in shaping the future of our democracy, primarily through non-partisan civic engagement programs, by increasing our participation in elections and advocating for progressive policies.Visit https://www.somosvotantes.com/ for more information on this program and other projects, and follow the organization on Instagram, Facebook, and X.