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There’s still time to donate to ensure Wilson County’s neediest students start the school year off right.
The deadline to donate to the annual Wilson County Schools Operation Backpack drive has been extended to Thursday. The project provides backpacks and school supplies to the district’s neediest students. Thousands of Wilson County students live in poverty and often worry about the first day of school because they don’t have the necessary supplies, organizers said.
This particular project aims to alleviate that worry thanks to various community partners, businesses and individuals.
Amber Lynch, the district’s public relations director, said donations have poured in already, and the district expects even more this week.
READY FOR SCHOOL
Fresenius Kabi employees made a special delivery to Fike High School last week. The company donated nearly 150 backpacks filled with supplies as well as more than $500 for the district to purchase even more.
“It’s hard to learn when you don’t have the tools that you need in the classroom,” said Shaquanna Reaves, who co-chairs Fresenius Kabi’s community involvement committee.
Jill Wall, who chairs the committee, said it’s vital for children to have those supplies on the first day of school.
“We are helping them to get a great start to their future,” Wall said.
Lynch said the backpacks will be distributed directly to students in Wilson County public schools. She said school employees will ensure students who need backpacks with supplies will receive them prior to the first day of school.
The backpack drive is in its 11th year and is made possible through various community donations.
HOW TO DONATE
Monetary donations can be made via check to Wilson County Schools. Just write “backpack drive” in the memo section and mail the check to Wilson County Schools, Attn: Amber Lynch, P.O. Box 2048, Wilson NC 27894. Donations are tax-deductible.
Backpacks and supplies can also be dropped off from 8 a.m. to noon Mondays through Thursdays at Fike High School. Check in at the school office first.
Folks can also donate online through the school district’s partnership with Chick-fil-A of Wilson and Christy Proctor’s GoFundMe campaign. Visit the shortened link tinyurl.com/436vzdtv to donate.
SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST
• Backpacks need to be at least 17 inches tall. No drawstrings or wheels.
• One box of crayons.
• Six pencils.
• Two pens.
• Two highlighters.
• One pencil pouch.
• One three-ring binder.
• One pack of filler paper.
• Two pocket folders.
• Two notebooks.
• One handheld pencil sharpener.
