Fill a backpack, help a kid

For many children heading back to school, this September means cool new backpacks, clothes and shoes. Unfortunately, many parents of children in family service programs simply cannot afford basic school supplies. To help meet this need, Family Service kicked off their Operation Fill-A-Backpack drive will run from now until Aug. 31. The agency hopes to collect over 600 new backpacks to ensure children gain the confidence needed to start the school year off on the right foot.

The program needs backpacks, lunchboxes, spiral bound and composition notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, pencil cases, calculators (solar and scientific), crayons, markers, highlighters, protractors, rulers, three-ring binders with paper, index cards, pocket folders, scissors, glue sticks, book covers, facial tissues, and anti-bacterial hand sanitizer.

For individuals, corporations or civic groups looking to run their own backpack drive, Family Service will provide all materials needed to make the drive a success. It’s the perfect opportunity to involve family members, friends or co-workers.

Moorestown’s drop off point is the Starbucks on 41 E. Main Street in the township.

To make a monetary donation, visit www.fam-serv.org or mail to Family Service, Attention: Development Office, 770 Woodlane Road, Mount Holly, N.J. 08060. Please make checks payable to ‘Family Service’. For more information, contact the Development Office at 609–267–5928 or visit www.fam-serv.org.

Family Service, a private non-profit community agency, serves the behavioral health and wellness needs of children, adults and families throughout New Jersey.