Though the 2019-2020 school year just ended, one local agency is already gearing up to make sure area children are ready to face a new school year in the fall. Interfaith Social Services, a multi-service organization for South Shore families and individuals in need, has launched their annual Backpack Drive, which supplies nearly 750 children with a backpack and school supplies each year.
While there is still much uncertainty about what the coming school year will look like, students need to start the year prepared. “Whether kids are having school at the kitchen table or in the classroom, it’s still important to make sure they have the supplies they need to succeed,” said Emily Ryan, Interfaith’s Family and Children Program Manager. “We’re happy to take some of the burden of back-to-school expenses away from families that are struggling right now.”
The backpacks and supplies for this program are provided by generous individuals and local businesses. Monetary donations and supplies are being accepted now through July 24.
To support the program, make a donation at https://interfaithsocialservices.org/donate-backpack/ or fill a new backpack with the following supplies. Backpacks should be generic and gender-neutral, if possible.
- 2 spiral notebooks
- 2 composition notebooks
- 3 pocket folders
- #2 pencils
- colored pencils
- washable markers
- crayons
- glue stick
- pens (black or blue)
- 2 highlighters
Backpacks can be dropped off at Interfaith Social Services, 105 Adams St., Quincy, Mondays-Fridays from 9am-3pm and Tuesdays and Wednesdays until 7pm.
Supplies and backpacks can also be ordered online through your favorite retailer and shipped directly to Interfaith.
In addition to one of Greater Boston’s largest food pantries, Interfaith operates the New Directions Counseling Center, which provides mental health counseling and addiction recovery treatment to hundreds of local individuals and families, as well as HomeSafe, a budget counseling and homelessness prevention program. Interfaith also houses the volunteer-run Bureau Drawer Thrift Shop, a boutique-style shop whose proceeds support the organization.
Find out more about the organization at www.InterfaithSocialServices.org.
