July 28, 2005

Back-to-school means ‘Pack-A-Back’ school supplies drive at Sacred Heart

Hot days in the summertime are almost at an end and it is time to think about back to school. And for some parents, it is time to think about school supplies. Children can be successful in their studies only when they are provided with the tools they need.

On Friday, Aug. 19, Sacred Heart Community Service plans to distribute 1,000 filled backpacks to local low-income youths from kindergarten through 12th grade. Each backpack will be filled with age-appropriate supplies: notebooks, paper, pens/pencils, erasers, rulers, glue sticks, crayons, folders…etc.

“School supplies can be very expensive for families with several children,” said Marizela Maciel, interim co-executive director and director of essential services at SHCS.

“The families of Sacred Heart Community Service look forward to this event. Pack-A-Back is like a summer Santa Claus.”

Donors are asked to either make a financial contribution or to donate filled backpacks. The staff of SHCS is happy to do the shopping—$40 equates to one new filled backpack. Local companies’ support is also welcome and appreciated; $1,000 can furnish enough backpacks for an entire classroom of students.

Suggested items to fill each donated backpack include one lunch box, several No. 2 pencils, a pencil sharpener, several erasers, a glue stick, a ruler, two packs of crayons and markers, ballpoint pens, a three-ring binder, two packs of wide-ruled paper, two writing tablets, two folders, one box of Kleenex and a disposable camera or roll of 35mm film. Backpacks in all styles for boys and girls of all ages are appreciated. Supplies will be distributed with age-appropriateness in mind. (Due to school regulations, please do not donate red or blue backpacks.)

Volunteers are needed to help fill backpacks on Thursday, Aug. 18 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Volunteers are also needed to help distribute backpacks on Aug. 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Or you may call the Volunteer Office at 408.278.2171 for times and opportunities, or email: volunteers@sacredheartcommunityservice.org.

To make a financial contribution, you may visit the Web site at www.sacredheartcommunityservice.org or make checks payable to Sacred Heart Community Service and mail to SHCS Pack-A-Back Drive, 1381 S. First St., San Jose, CA 95110. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Gracie’s Clothes Closet at (408) 278-2165 or Aracely Miron at (408) 278-2165 or mm@sacredheartcommunityservice.org.