More than 2,200 students in Onslow and New Hanover counties will be fully supplied for their first day of school thanks to the Brigade Boys and Girls Club’s annual Stuff the Backpack Campaign, a supply drive aimed at providing K-12 students with necessary classroom materials ahead of the new school year.
The supplies will go to Brigade’s club members that attend 10 club sites across New Hanover and Onslow Counties. The supplies will then be distributed during the Brigade Summer Program, an all-day summer initiative that features field trips, activities, access to the on-site swimming pool, and an overall safe space for kids so they are not home by themselves.
Now in its 12th year, the Stuff the Backpack Campaign saw more than 20 organizations and individuals donating necessary school supplies, including notebooks, notepads, pencils, rulers, Kleenex, hand sanitizer and more.
“Brigade Boys & Girls Clubs mission provides support for those who need us the most,” said Ashlyn Williams, marketing and communications coordinator for the Brigade Boys and Girls Club. “During the back-to-school time, many of our kids struggle to be prepared. If it weren’t for the generous contributions of our community, we would not be able to provide our kids the ability to reach their educational goals. We ensure that all club members are prepared with what they need to do their best in school and beyond.”
Brigade Boys and Girls Club began it’s annual campaign in early July with the goal of raising 500 items of each category. According to Williams, they are set to meet that goal once monetary donations are spent on supplies in the coming days.
“We participate in the Stuff the Backpack campaign every year because we believe that no student should have their education hindered because they don’t have enough school supplies,” said Kayla Anderson of Carolina Dental Specialty Center in Jacksonville, which donated notebooks and loose-leaf paper. “We love this initiative because it gives us a chance to give back to our community and help kids succeed in a learning environment.”
While the Stuff the Backpack Campaign officially ended Monday, Williams says organizations and individuals still wanting to donate can do so by visiting www.BrigadeBGC.org/donate.