3,300 Kids Start School With New Backpacks from Women’s Initiative’ Back to School Program
Posted on September 8, 2009
Thanks to over 240 donors, 350 volunteers and community partners Back to School events in Port Huron, Algonac, East China and Capac made going back to school a lot easier for low income families in St. Clair County. The Back to School program is organized by the Women’s Initiative and over the past 7 years it has helped over 17,400 at-risk kids have a successful start to school by providing them a backpack full of school supplies.
Melissa Hanners, Principal at Algonac Elementary, sees the impact firsthand “The kids really benefit from the program and starting school with new school supplies is very exciting for them.” Over 94% of the students attending Cleveland Elementary qualify for free or reduced lunch. Principal, Mary Jo Smith, remarked that “The Backpack Program has made the new school year a joyous event for our students. The supplies are greatly appreciated by all of our families.”
Juanita Gittings, Chair of the program, saw longer lines this year at every event. “This project really steals your heart and the families are as appreciative as the kids are excited.” Of the children receiving backpacks, 94% were from high poverty families, foster kids or homeless.
In addition to 3,300 backpacks those attending the events received:
72,656 pounds of bulk food coordinated by Mid-City Nutrition
2,468 pairs of socks given out by the American Assoc. of University Women
4,200 clothing vouchers distributed by the Salvation Army
3,000+ free hot dogs and hamburgers
Photo displays:
Preparing the Backpacks
Algonac Distribution Event
Port Huron Distribution Event
East China Distribution Event
Capac Distribution Event
