Purchasing essential back-to-school supplies for their children is a heavy financial burden for many families throughout Middle Tennessee, and this year costs are expected to reach an all-time high. For over 20 years, the Youth Villages Backpack Heroes campaign has provided backpacks, school supplies and other essentials to youth in the organization’s programs.
The organization is accepting donations of all sizes through Aug 3. Due to partnerships with wholesalers and bulk purchasing, Youth Villages is encouraging monetary donations, as they are able to buy and fill triple the number of backpacks with the same dollar amount as donors would spend at a retailer.
“Backpack Heroes helped take all the stress, time and money we would have spent on school supply shopping and put that toward getting to know the kids and helping them acclimate to a new home and school,” said Eric Griffin, a foster parent with Youth Villages. “It makes a big difference for their school experience to know they are going to have everything they need and not stand out as different among their classmates.”…