Aug 21, 2008 7:07 pm US/Eastern
Back-To-School Free Backpack Giveaway
CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS 3) ―
It's that time of year again, kids are heading back to
school and parents are struggling to make sure they can get them all of the
right supplies.
Soon to be fourth grader Joel Silba names some of the things
he'll need before he heads back to school "Scissors, pencils and a
calculator."
For some families even the back to school essentials can be
a financial burden, that's why Wendy Marano decided to help lighten the load.
Marano started a backpack benefit which has been helping families in Camden, New
Jersey for four years.
"I think we had a week the first year to collect them
and distribute them, I got a hundred and I was delighted. It really took off
like wildfire," said Marano.
The program is set up in conjunction with back-to-school
check-ups offered for children at the Lady of Lourdes Osborn Health Center in Camden. Kids simply come
into the center for a yearly physical and health check up and walk out with a free
backpack stocked with school supplies.
The health care workers at Our Lady of Lourdes will hand out
between an estimated 300 to 500 backpacks for children who come in for their
pediatric care.
"It helps, especially if you can't afford to get
backpacks. It's a good thing," said Shanta Davis a Camden mother.
It's not only a good thing for the parents, having a new
backpack gives kids a reason to get excited about school again.
"Regardless of how children feel about school, even
those children who don't like to go to school love getting the new
supplies," said Marano.
The backpacks will be handed out until next week, if you'd
like to donate a backpack visit the medical center at 1600 Haddon Avenue, Camden,
NJ 08103
or call 856 - 757 - 3500
RELATED LINKS:
Our
Lady of Lourdes Medical Center
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
