NORWALK — Backpack trips across town are bringing relief to hundreds of families who may be struggling with the cost of back-to-school shopping this fall.
“The cost of school supplies can be a great strain for families. Everyone wants their child to start the school year off on the right foot, and it means a lot to know that you don’t have to worry about your child feeling different or not having the supplies they need,” said Yolanda Mateo, Director of Services to the Open Doors client.
Open Doors held a backpack drive on August 13 to collect donations of school supplies for children living in their emergency shelter. The nonprofit also partners with other local shelters that serve families to ensure that all children living in shelters can start the new school year with the same supplies as their peers of class
Later this month, After-School Buddies at Open Doors volunteers will host a back-to-school celebration for families, and children will have the opportunity to choose from backpacks donated during the drive and fill – them with the material they need. .
“Donations of backpacks and school supplies are a huge help because they help parents make sure their children are ready for school and don’t feel like they have to go without, and it takes the ‘stress knowing that their children have no less than other children in their class,’ said Mateo.
Word Alive Church and the Norwalk Police Department partnered to hold a backpack raffle Saturday at the police station. The organizations planned to give away nearly 1,100 backpacks filled with pencils, pens, a notebook, a pencil, eraser, folder, glue, ruler and colored pencils.
“Our initial goal was 1,000 backpacks, but thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, local businesses, the Norwalk Police Department, members of Word Alive Church and the community, we have surpassed our goal,” he said the Rev. Artie Kassimis, of Word. Living Church “These items serve as a ‘starter kit’ to prepare our children for success in the upcoming school year.”
Kassimis and Norwalk Police Officer Hector Delgado hope to show the students that the community supports them in their education with the donations of school supplies. They also want to give students the experience of opening a new box of crayons or freshly sharpened pencils on the first day of school.
“These items, along with the strong support of their parents, families and neighbors, can give each child the confidence boost they need to see that anything is possible when people come together,” Kassimis said. “Perhaps every time they use these supplies, they will be reminded of the generosity and support of their friends and neighbors.”
Mateo not only sees new school supplies as a way to get kids ready for their first day of school, but to keep them organized all year long.
“The right school supplies, whether it’s a grade-appropriate backpack or the same color homework folder as their classmates, also help them stay more organized,” Mateo said.
The Norwalk Public Library will also host a backpack and school supply giveaway for students in kindergarten through nine on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at the South Norwalk branch. The Human Services Council held its annual drive for school supplies and backpacks last month.
emily.morgan@hearstmediact.com
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