ProjectBackpack

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Bainbridge Classic Rides Supports Project Backpack

Project Backpack began in 2000 with a desire to help children enter school with new backpacks and the supplies required by their teachers and to help students with education related expenses and the costs of back to school clothing.

In the past years, Project Backpack has provided assistance to between 150 and 225 children each year. With the generosity of the Bainbridge Community, nearly 1250 students have been helped since the program began. The program assists students from preschool and kindergarten through high school as well as a few students in community college.

Project Backpack estimates that it costs an average of $100 to outfit a student with a backpack and the required supplies - less for younger children and more for older children - and these costs recurs each year. Children move on to higher grades, backpacks are worn out, school clothes are outgrown, and supplies are used up.

With the assistance of Project Backpack, more students will be able to start the school year on a par with their peers rather than draw attention by not having the supplies needed for learning. We also hope that the assistance received will help reduce the pressure on tight family budgets already stressed by the high cost of living on the island.

For more information about Project Backpack, or to sign up to receive assistance through the program, please call Helpline House at 842-7621.

Cash donations and supplies will be accepted at all Bainbridge Classic Rides events in support of Project Backpack.

List of School Supplies needed most for Helpline House's Project Backpack:

BACKPACKS, especially large sized, heavy duty backpacks in dark colors
3 ring binders
Calculators
Colored pencils
Colored markers
Notebook dividers
Erasers

Glue sticks
Highlighters
College ruled notebooks and paper
Pencil sharpeners
Pencil boxes and pouches
Rulers
Sharp "Fiskar" type scissors

Also welcome are gift cards to stores such as Target or Old Navy to help with back to school clothing costs.

In addition to Bainbridge Classic Rides Events, donations may be dropped off at Helpline House, Island Fitness, Bainbridge Athletic Club and BAC Xpress, Paper Products Etc and Viking Bank on Hildebrand

Last updated: January 23, 2008