Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were part of a back-to-school charity event in Los Angeles this week. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex volunteered to distribute school supplies for children at a COVID-safe drive-through venue hosted by Baby2Baby, a non-profit organization.
Prince Harry and Meghan surprised families, who remained inside their cars, when they realized who was handing out the books, backpacks, clothes, hygiene items and food. The Sussex pair had face masks and gloves on, and wore sneakers and shorts to this casual activity.
Meghan was photographed helping a little boy try on his new backpack while Prince Harry looked on. The Duke of Sussex also gave a thumbs up to a family after he distributed their box of supplies.
A source told Town & Country that Prince Harry and Meghan were eager to help and engaged with the crowd despite the summer heat. The mood at the drive-through event was positive as the Sussex pair chatted with the families about what they are expecting from school this year.
Finding Freedom author tweeted that the charity event was organized in conjunction with Los Angeles schools. Prince Harry and Meghan distributed the items from the Dr. Owen Lloyd Knox Elementary.
Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof, the co-founders of Baby2Baby, first learned that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex supported their organization just before the birth of their son, Archie, in 2019. Apparently, they were surprised when Prince Harry and Meghan mentioned Baby2Baby in one Instagram post.
Weinstein told People that they believe Prince Harry and Meghan highlighted their charity because it's based in Los Angeles. The Duchess of Sussex is a native of the city.
Since having the support of Prince Harry and Meghan, Patricof said that they've received donations from Mexico and Italy. But Baby2Baby also has several celebrity supporters and members on their board, such as Jessica Alba and Julie Bowen.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan also expressed their gratitude to producer and actor Tyler Perry for providing them a safe haven when they moved to Los Angeles from Vancouver in the middle of March. The couple stayed at Perry's Beverly Hills mansion for more than four months before finding their permanent home in Montecito, Santa Barbara.
A source said that the Sussexes chose to live in Montecito for its mellow and laidback pace compared to Los Angeles. However, much of their work will still be in L.A., which is about an hour's drive from their new home.
