The “Great Shopping Day” event helped 131 Tehama County students gear up for the new school year.
Corning, CA – August 9, 2025 – The Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, through the Paskenta Nomlaki Foundation, proudly continued its 21st annual Back-to-School Project today by hosting the highly anticipated “Great Shopping Day” event. A total of 131 pre-qualified students, from kindergarten through 12th grade in Tehama County, participated in a day of shopping for brand-new clothing and received essential resources to help them start the school year confident and prepared.
In addition to shopping for clothing, each student was provided with a backpack filled with school supplies, along with resources for free haircuts and sports physicals—ensuring they’re ready not only academically, but socially and physically as well.
For many local families, the start of a new school year can bring financial challenges. The Back-to-School Project aims to ease that burden, helping students focus on learning.
“These children are the future of our community, and every backpack, every pair of shoes, every haircut, and every sports physical is a reminder that they are valued,” said Tribal Chairman, Brandin Paya. “With rising costs and economic pressures, we’re honored to lead this effort. We hope this event brings relief to families and joy to the students.” Paya, added.
This project was originally founded in 2004 by local resident Kim Berry, who had a heartfelt mission to help children in the community begin each school year with pride, dignity and a feeling of self-worth. For two decades, Kim led the project with care and dedication, growing its reach and impact throughout Tehama County.
“I have loved serving the families of our community and was looking to pass the project on to a meaningful organization who would love it as I have,” said Kim Berry. “I’m grateful the Tribe has taken it on and will carry it into the future. After 21 years, I’m so happy to see it continue with care and purpose.”
This marks the first year the program is being operated by the Paskenta Nomlaki Foundation. With rising costs and continued challenges facing many families in the region, the Tribe remains deeply committed to the project’s mission of supporting students as they return to school. The Back-to-School Project will continue next year through the Foundation. Families and community members can stay informed about future project dates and details by following the Paskenta Nomlaki Foundation Facebook page or by visiting: paskenta-nsn.gov/our-community/our-foundations-impact/
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ABOUT THE PASKENTA BAND OF NOMLAKI INDIANS
The Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians is a resilient and vibrant Tribe based in the Corning area of Northern California. As a recognized sovereign nation, they own several businesses within Tehama County, employing nearly 1,000 people within the local community. The Tribe’s enterprises include Rolling Hills Clinic, Tepa Companies, Paskenta Mad River Brewing, and Rolling Hills Casino & Resort. The Rolling Hills Casino & Resort features a casino, two hotel towers, four restaurants, two conference centers, RV Park, Travel Center, Equestrian Center, Golf Course, Obsidian Amphitheater, and Paskenta Brewery and Distillery. Each year, guests visit Rolling Hills Casino, bringing with them tourist dollars that benefit the local economy. Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians is a strong community partner supporting local programs through its Paskenta Nomlaki Foundation.
For more information about the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, please visit: paskenta-nsn.gov
ABOUT THE PASKENTA NOMLAKI FOUNDATION
The Paskenta Nomlaki Foundation is committed to supporting efforts in solidarity with its values through strengthening partnerships and dedicating resources to organizations and endeavors that encourage growth, self-sufficiency, and a prosperous future by empowering local and indigenous communities. Tax revenue from the Rolling Hills Casino and Resort allows the Tribe to give back to its community through funding for the Paskenta Nomlaki Foundation, its local nonprofit organization. The Paskenta Nomlaki Foundation donates money each year that supports the community’s health, safety, and educational efforts.
Media Contact:
Patricia Gutierrez
Marketing Communications Manager
Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians