A longtime effort to send Worcester students back to school with backpacks and supplies is getting a new organizer this year.
The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and Worcester County Reserve Deputy Sheriff’s Association hosts Backpacks & Bright Futures Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 5-8 p.m. at Off The Rails, 90 Commercial St.
Admission is a new backpack, school supplies or a $25 donation, according to an announcement from the Sheriff’s Office. Organizers plan to distribute the donated supplies to students at 10 Worcester schools in the coming weeks.
More than $6,000 has already been raised for the effort, in addition to donations of school supplies, according to the announcement.
Sheriff Lew Evangelidis said the office stepped in after learning that a school supply drive previously organized by Woody Adams Jr. and 508 Forever Young would not take place this year.
“For years, Woody Adams, Jr. and 508 Forever Young made a tremendous impact by helping Worcester kids start the school year prepared,” Evangelidis said in the announcement. “When we learned the drive wouldn’t be held this year, we knew there was a void to fill. The Sheriff’s Office was proud to step in, build on Woody’s years of great work, and keep this important tradition going for the local children.”
Evangelidis and the Sheriff’s Office comfort dog, K9 Milo, are expected to attend Wednesday’s event, along with community partners and sponsors.
Those unable to attend can make monetary donations through the Worcester County Reserve Deputy Sheriff’s Association website by selecting “Donate” and including “BACKPACKS” in the note. Checks may also be made payable to WCRDSA, with “BACKPACKS” in the memo, and mailed to WCRDSA, 240 Main St., Worcester, MA 01608, Attn: Donna Ostiguy.
