Operation Backpack already in full swing

The school year hasn't ended yet, but the 6th Annual FreeHelpCK's Operation Backpack program in Chatham-Kent has already begun.

Starting on July 1, the Fill a Box Campaign will start collecting back-to-school items, including backpacks. The collection will last through the month of July and the first two weeks of August.

Geri Ann Hughson, the founder of FreeHelpCK, said that they are looking for the same items they ask for every year:

• backpacks

• scissors

• markers, dry erase markers, highlighters, and pencil crayons

• glue sticks

• lined paper

• rulers

Operation Backpack pamphlet (courtesy of FreeHelpCK)

Hughson believes that this initiative is about more than just giving out school supplies. She said that she hopes that the collected backpacks will make a difference in the lives of families, equipping their children with the resources to excel not only in their education but also in their broader life experiences.

Over the last six years, Operation Backpack has distributed 5,000 backpacks filled with essential school supplies.

FreeHelpCK hopes to fill 1,500 backpacks this year. To do that the organization will need to raise $50,000 worth of cash and items, to date $15,000 has been collected.

To celebrate their 70th anniversary the Chatham Goodfellows recently made their own donation to the cause, presenting $2,070 to the backpack program.

Chatham Goodfellows donate to Operation Backpack (Image courtesy of Chatham Goodfellows)

In August, Chatham-Kent residents can register through FreeHelpCK for the filled backpacks. Up to three backpacks will be available to each family that applies.

Anyone hoping to help the campaign, whether through the donation of time, money, or items, can find more information here.

-with files from Nancy Cheema