More than 850 local children received new backpacks and school supplies from Interfaith Social Services during the month of August, easing the burden of back-to-school expenses for South Shore families in need. Generous donors and local businesses provided both backpacks and school supplies for families that utilize our programs.
The Backpack Drive is one of several seasonal initiatives that we run throughout the year, designed to bring joy to children who may be growing up in difficult situations. The program aims to make sure students start out the school year outfitted with the supplies they need to succeed.
“We are immensely grateful to our donors who make our backpack drive possible,” said Assistant Food Pantry Manager Leslie Wittmann. “Data show that having one’s own school supplies helps with grades, self-esteem, and many other aspects of school. And since we know that education is key to break free of poverty, our backpack drive is very important for our clients’ wellbeing in both the near and long term.”
The Backpack Drive is made possible through the support of many individuals, businesses and organizations. Several local businesses and organizations supported the program this year with donations of backpacks, supplies and funds, including: Arbella Insurance, Boston Metal, Braintree Knights of Columbus, Congregation Beth Shalom of the Blue Hills, Black Rock Women’s Golf Association, Crown Colony Pediatrics, FoxRock Properties, the Have a Sammi Kinda Day Fund, Hingham Congregational Church, Houghs Neck Congregational Church, Marriott Quincy, Nicole Vermillion of LaMacchia Realty, Sandcastles Childcare & Learning Center, and Second Congregational Church – Cohasset.
Xaverian Brothers High School student Michael McGrath also participated in the Drive for the third year in a row, raising funds to fill 50 backpacks with supplies. Over the summer, McGrath asked friends and family for financial support, and the teen purchased supplies and assembled all 50 bags before delivering them to Interfaith.
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.
