New backpacks and supplies for a happy school year

Intermountain Catholic

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Two brothers stand with their new backpacks – their favorite super heroes have their backs. The collected new backpacks and school supplies will help underprivileged children ?fit in,? said Kathryn Brussard, Development and Community Director for Catholic Community Services.IC photo by Priscilla Cabral

SALT LAKE CITY — Jack Williams is excited to start school not because this is his first year out of kindergarten, or because he will reunite with his friends and possibly make new ones, not even because he will be learning, but because he has a new backpack. "Make sure you take a picture of the front," he said showing off the batman backpack that matched the dark knight’s shirt he was wearing.

He also marveled at the school supplies inside the backpack. He took out his new scissors, ruler, folders, pencils –stuff that would make anyone want to go back to school.

Hundreds of other kids ready to head back to their classrooms will be as excited as Williams thanks to Catholic Community Services of Utah and those who donated backpacks and school supplies during the annual Backpack Bonanza. "These backpacks go to the children of our clients in the refugee resettlement, the homeless at St. Vincent de Paul, and the Women’s treatment programs," said Kathryn Brussard, Development Director. "So many of these parents don’t have the money to buy a good, solid backpack that will last the school year," she said.

This is the fifth year the Backpack Bonanza has taken place and the community’s response has been very positive. Catholic Community services of Utah collected over 700 backpacks last year, and hopes to collect over 1,000 this year."The turnout is overwhelming," said Lillian Dick, who has been part of the bonanza for three years. "Lunch time hits and there are hundreds of backpacks. I couldn’t believe how many backpacks we got the first year I was here," she said.

"Some people can’t donate their time or resources. A backpack is something almost everyone can donate," said Brussard.

It is also something that will help a kid’s confidence. "When you go to school, having a new backpack is cool. It helps them fit in," she said.

Catholic Community Services board and staff members, along with the Knights of Columbus and Fox 13 contribute to the backpack collection event; however, those who would like to donate may do so at any time. "We accept donations year-round. We accept empty backpacks, school supplies, or backpacks with school supplies. We just ask that they are brand new," said Brussard.