3rd Annual Book Bag and Supply Give-a-Way
Organized by the Resident Services Coordinator. Ignites the School Spirit in 3 Counties and on 7 sites.
The Annual Backpack Give-a-Way was created to address the problem of school supplies affordability to low-income families. The RCRHA partnered with the community and co-workers to provide backpacks and basic school supplies for children ages 5-17. All recipients are residents we serve throughout the year for other events, activities, and other education programs. They are located in 3 counties-Northampton, Halifax and Hertford. All school supplies and book bags are donated brand new through a network of local businesses or agencies. The solution allows families to use their limited funds on other things, such as regular bills, clothing, haircuts or hair styling, or any other fees for school they may have. These gifts are even more appreciated this year while many families are struggling with additional stresses caused by the global pandemic and all areas of life that are impacted and faced with unexpected bills or many other challenges.
Each and every child who attended the event on each site received a bookbag filled with school supplies such as notebooks, loose paper, tablets, composition books, pens, pencils, pouches, highlighters, glue sticks, crayons, erasers, pencils, and sharpeners.
Why is a backpack so important to a child with insecure housing or stability? A backpack is much more than a bag to hold his/her school supplies. One child may have to travel back and forth between 2 parents. Another child may go to a before-school program and then an after-school program. For most children, a backpack doubles as a suitcase. For sure, if a child has their own backpack, they are able to carry around the stuffed animal and or a change of clothes. Yes, it can also hold their school supplies, but far more importantly, it's a sense of security that gives a child whose whole life can get uprooted with no warning or preparation. This is the reason why we are committed to giving out over 250 new backpacks, supplies, snacks, and resource information to our child and their parents and caregivers this year.