Annual Donation Effort Collected 1000 Backpacks

AARP Prescott volunteers were among others from Target and local faith-based groups that helped gather items for a local school backpack donation program. The effort, sponsored by the Coalition for Compassion and Justice, resulted in over 1000 backpacks that were recently stuffed by the volunteers. The packs were filled with various school supplies.

See Also: How to Hold a School Supply Drive

The annual donation effort was held in late July before the school year begins in order to assist low-income children with needed school items like notebooks, desk items, pens and pencils. The program services all levels, from pre-school and kindergarten through the 12th grade.

"Our AARP Prescott and Prescott Valley volunteers were so excited to be a part of this worthwhile effort," said Shawn Trobia, AARP Arizona Project Coordinator. "As we worked hard to stuff the backpacks it was a very rewarding experience because we knew we would be helping local kids who were less fortunate have the things they need to start the new school year."

There were about 20 volunteers that helped stuff over 1000 backpacks over a two-day period.

Diane Iverson, Open Door Director with the Coalition of Compassion and Justice says her organization has already distributed the packs to kids in the Quad-City area.

"We’re so appreciative of the efforts of the volunteers from AARP, Target and the various faith-based groups from Prescott and Prescott Valley who participated," said Iverson. "There were hundreds of children who benefited from the effort and we thank everyone for their hard work."

For more information about Open Door and the Coalition for Compassion and Justice go to YavapaiCCJ.org or call 928-776-0353.

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