Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com


School may be out for the summer for Livingston County students but organizers behind an annual campaign are already focused on setting them up for success in the fall.

Donations of new backpacks and school supplies are being sought for students in grades K-12 as part of the Livingston Educational Service Agency’s 23rd Annual Backpacks for Kids project. Donations are being collected through August 1st.

The project provides backpacks filled with supplies for families that might be facing some financial challenges in Livingston County.

Great Start Livingston Coordinator Robin Schutz told WHMI they’re anticipating at least the same need as last year if not more - noting it has increased over the past couple of years and they’ve heard from many families. She said 1,500 backpacks were distributed last year and their goal is the same this year between all of the school districts.

Schutz added the price of school supplies adds up quickly, especially for families with more than one child, and the event provides an opportunity to help them out and alleviate that need as they prepare for the start of their school year.

The distribution event will again be a drive-thru experience on August 8th across all five school districts.

A list of drop-off locations and more information is provided in the provided link and attached release.