Interfaith Social Services distributed 950 backpacks during the month of August to help ease the burden of back-to-school expenses for South Shore families in need.
THANK YOU to the many generous individuals, businesses and organizations who provided backpacks, school supplies and monetary contributions to make sure that all the children whose families utilize Interfaith’s programs were able to start off the school year on the right foot.
“We are so thankful to our generous donors! Our community made this possible,” said Roberta Ferguson-Gregg, Assistant Food Pantry Manager. “It is our hope that because these children will have their own school supplies and brand-new backpacks on their first day of school, their academic performance and self-confidence will be boosted. Education is a powerful tool in overcoming poverty, which is why our Backpack program plays a vital role in supporting their success now and in the future.”
Several local businesses and organizations supported the Backpack Drive this year with donations of backpacks, supplies and funds, including: Ahold, Arbella Insurance, Bay State Milling, Boston Metal, Congregation Beth Shalom of the Blue Hills, FoxRock Properties, Have a Sammi Kinda Day, Hingham Congregational Church, LaMacchia Realty – Nicole Vermillion, Merchants Capital, Second Congregational Church – Cohasset and XS Brokers.
Corporate volunteer groups from Blue Cross Blue Shield Massachusetts and South Shore Bank helped to assemble hundreds of bags, filling them with school supplies.
Xaverian Brothers student Michael McGrath also participated in the Drive for the fourth year in a row, raising funds to fill 75 backpacks with supplies. Over the summer, McGrath asked friends and family for financial support, and the teen purchased supplies and assembled all 75 bags before delivering them to Interfaith. Thank you so much for your continued support, Michael!
To learn more about Interfaith’s seasonal programs, please contact Assistant Food Pantry Manager Leslie Wittmann at leslie@interfaithsocialservices.org or 617-773-6203 ext.26.