Backpack drive equips 1,000 South Shore students for school

Close to 1,000 local children received new backpacks and school supplies from Interfaith Social Services in August, helping to ease the burden of back-to-school expenses for South Shore families in need. Generous individuals and corporate donors provided both backpacks and school supplies for families that utilize Interfaith’s programs.

Interfaith Social Services provides South Shore residents with the resources necessary to support a healthy and fulfilling life. Their programs include one of the largest emergency food programs in Greater Boston as well as a mental health counseling center, homelessness prevention program, the Bureau Drawer Thrift Shop and seasonal initiatives bringing joy to children and families in need.

Interfaith’s backpack drive is one of several seasonal initiatives that the organization runs throughout the year, designed to bring joy to children who may be growing up in difficult situations. The program aims to make sure students start out the school year prepared by providing them with the supplies they need to succeed.

“We are so thankful to our generous donors,” said Roberta Ferguson-Gregg, Interfaith’s Assistant Food Pantry Manager. “It is our hope that because these children will have their own school supplies and brand-new backpacks on their first day of school, their academic performance and self-confidence will be boosted. Education is a powerful tool in overcoming poverty, which is why our backpack program plays a vital role in supporting their success now and in the future.”

Several local businesses and organizations supported Interfaith’s backpack drive this year with donations of backpacks, supplies and funds, including: Ahold, Arbella Insurance, Bank of Canton, Bay State Milling, Boston Metal, Congregation Beth Shalom of the Blue Hills, FoxRock Properties, Have a Sammi Kinda Day, Hingham Congregational Church, LaMacchia Realty – Nicole Vermillion, Merchants Capital, Second Congregational Church – Cohasset and XS Brokers.

Corporate volunteer groups from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and South Shore Bank helped to assemble hundreds of bags, filling them with school supplies.

In addition, Xaverian Brothers High School student Michael McGrath participated in the drive for the fifth time, raising funds to fill 75 backpacks with supplies. Over the summer, McGrath asked friends and family for financial support, and the teen purchased supplies and assembled all 75 bags before delivering them to Interfaith.

To learn more about Interfaith’s seasonal programs, please contact Interfaith’s Assistant Food Pantry Manager Roberta Ferguson-Gregg at roberta@interfaithsocialservices.org or 617-773-6203 ext.26.