The organization's goal is to provide 2,000 backpacks to students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The backpacks will be filled with 18 school supplies, and for the first time this year Helping Hands will be providing scientific calculators for middle school and high school students. The backpacks will be distributed through 19 of Helping Hands' community partners throughout Westchester County. Many of the backpacks will be given to students residing in homeless shelters.
Helping Hands is looking for donations and volunteers to help accomplish its goal. The event is funded entirely through donations, and a $25 contribution can provide a school-ready backpack to a student. Donations can be made through the organization's website, or by mailing a check to Helping Hands for the Homeless & Hungry, Inc., P.O. Box 982, Rye, NY 10580.
The event will take place in the basement of the Resurrection Church, 910 Boston Post Road. Volunteers are needed on Aug. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon to unload and prepare supplies, and on Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. to noon to fill the backpacks. The day that the backpacks are filled is a better day for children to volunteer, and community service hours are available to any students who request a form.
Since 1987 Helping Hands has provided school supplies to more than 21,000 students. For more information or to volunteer, email helpinghandsrye@gmail.com or call Susan Salice at 914-980-3511.
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