GUSTINE — Gustine families will have two chances to kick off the new school year with free supplies, books, classic cars and community activities as local organizations come together to support students heading back to class.
The City of Gustine Recreation Department will host its annual Back to School Night on Friday, Aug. 7, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at its new location — the Gustine Gazebo and Gustine Aquatics Center on Third Avenue. Families can pick up free school supplies while they last, and residents are encouraged to donate supplies ahead of the event to help stock the giveaway.
A movie night at the Gustine Aquatics Center will follow immediately after, offering families one more summer evening together before the school year begins.
Tiffany Vitorino said the event is meant to help students start the year feeling prepared and supported. “Back to School Night is one of those events that reminds us how strong Gustine is when we come together for our kids,” she said. “Whether a family is picking up supplies, donating supplies or staying for movie night, it is all about making sure students feel supported and excited for the new school year.”
Community members can drop off donations at the aquatics center during open hours as part of the city’s “Fill the Bus” effort, which helps provide supplies to children who may need additional support.
Two days later, the Gustine Traveling Library will continue the back‑to‑school celebration with Books & Chrome, a book‑and‑car meet focused on literacy and school readiness. The event will run Sunday, Aug. 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the O’Reilly Auto Parts parking lot.
Hosted by the Gustine Traveling Library, Westside Auto Club and O’Reilly Auto Parts, Books & Chrome will feature classic cars, free books, free burgers and hot dogs, and school supply donations to benefit local students. Families are invited to browse the cars, pick up books and help children start the year strong.
The event also highlights a special donation through Dr. Seuss Enterprises, Random House Children’s Books and First Book, which selected the Gustine Traveling Library as California’s recipient for the Cat in the Pack program. The program distributes backpacks filled with books and essential school supplies to students nationwide.
Jose Flores, vice president of the Gustine Traveling Library, said the organization is grateful to bring the event to the community. “We are incredibly excited to bring Books & Chrome to Gustine and to celebrate this amazing donation with our community,” he said. “We are grateful to Dr. Seuss Enterprises, Random House Children’s Books and First Book for helping us support students, and we are thankful to Westside Auto Club and O’Reilly Auto Parts for helping us turn this into something families can enjoy together.”
For organizers, the back‑to‑school season has become more than a supply giveaway. It has become a chance to remind families that the community is standing behind students as they begin another year of learning.
James Rubio, part of the planning team, said the enthusiasm has been encouraging. “It has been really nice to see how much joy these events are already bringing to the community,” he said. “People are excited to donate, excited to bring their families out and excited to be part of something positive for our students. That is what makes Gustine special.”
Together, the two events reflect how Gustine continues to rally around children, families and education — turning the start of the school year into a celebration of support, generosity and hometown pride.
