EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) – A Tri-State organization handed out more than 1,000 free backpacks and school supplies Saturday at the 13th annual Young and Established backpack drive.
Organizers said the event drew a large turnout, with more than 60 volunteers on hand to help distribute supplies to students ahead of the first day of school next week.
‘Every kid deserves to have what they need’
Executive Director Courtney Johnson said rising school supply prices and longer supply lists motivated the organization to show up each year.
“Every kid deserves to have what they need for back to school,” Johnson said. “Just being able to do this and start it off super small, just us giving back, and it just grew into something much bigger and people depend on us, so we like to show up and do what we do. Our team, our volunteers — we had well over 60 volunteers show up today and help us. It’s just amazing to see what our community does when we come together.”…