I remember those days- so excited about going back to school after summer vacation. Luckily, I was fortunate enough not to have to worry about affording new back-to-school supplies and backpacks. Of course, when I went to school, I didn’t have a huge list of supplies to buy before the first day. Today- that isn’t the case.
Due to the increasing expense put on parents each year to get their kids ready for school, our school- Alton Central School- has been providing all those supplies that would have been on a long list, tailored to each grade. This year, my son only have to provide his own binder and backpack. Let me tell you one thing about backpacks- if you spend time and research backpacks, you will find one that is the right size for you and one that will last for years! The backpack my son is using is one we had purchased when he was a Cub Scout to take with him to camp. He loves it so much and it is so well-made, he is still using it 6 years later! Gotta love that!
Who doesn’t remember the days when going back to school was an exciting event? Many young kids looked forward to the start of school, as it meant new backpacks and new school supplies to get ready for the year ahead. There was a measure of excitement about the whole thing. That’s what prompted Purr Whalley to start Project Backpack just about a decade ago and it’s what inspires Kelly Sullivan and the Alton Central School Parent Teachers Student Association to keep it going these days.
Source: Alton Baysider Newspaper
Alton Central School and the PTSA knows that many families can’t afford a new backpack for their children- that’s why Project Backpack was started. This is how they ask for help:
The Alton Central PTSA is asking for the community’s help in gathering new backpacks and school supplies to help families and students in Alton struggling with the burden of back to school expenses. Supply lists are on the Learning Tree at the Gilman Library. The drop off bin is, once again, at Profile Bank. All the back to school items will be used. If you are not a shopper, please consider a donation to ACS PTSA c/o Project Backpack, PO Box 910. Alton, NH 03809. Organizers offer a heartfelt thanks, in advance, to those who will contribute to Project Backpack. Everyone remembers those first days of school and how exciting it was to have new pencils and spiral notebooks. Donations to the annual drive mean so much to the parents and students who are feeling the stress of the current economy.
In the spirit of giving back to our community, my son and I had gathered EIGHTEEN backpacks to donate. We couldn’t have done it without the help of our generous sponsors:
- PlanetBox
- Sierra
- Bixbee
- Cozy
- and many more!
Check back here to view all the reviews on these great backpacks!
Be sure to check out all our Back-to-School supplies, backpacks, tips and more on our 2015 Back-to-School guide HERE.
What was your favorite part of going back to school when you were a kid?