Junior Women Seek Help For Annual Backpack Project

The Newtown Junior Women’s Club is kicking off its Eight Annual Back-To-School Backpack program with a plea for help in raising the money to fund this program.

The program assists families that need help in getting their children ready for the school year with a backpack and all the necessary school supplies for the year. The town’s Social Services department administers the list of recipients in order to maintain confidentially.

Last year Social Services said 112 filled backpacks were needed for students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. It costs approximately $40 for each filled backpack.

Even with donations of some backpacks and accessories, the Junior Women’s Club had to raise $3,500 to fund this program. This year the number of students needing backpacks is expected to increase again.

 “We work hard to find every opportunity to save on costs,” said Betsy Paynter, backpack project chairperson. “Backpacks are stockpiled throughout the year in order to take advantage of sales and promotions. We are fortunate to have found a school supply distributor that grants us a charitable organization discount.”

The Junior Women’s Club is seeking donors who would consider funding a backpack or two. Smaller donations also are welcome.

“Any contribution, big or small, is greatly appreciated,” Ms Paynter said. “Donations of new backpacks and suitable products such as toothpaste and tissues also are welcome.”

The Newtown Junior Women’s Club is an organization, comprised of civic-minded women, working toward the goal of giving back to the community. Members volunteer their time to both create and successfully complete many community projects such as Discovery Science, Math & Technology Workshops, Tag-A-Gift Program, Thanksgiving Basket, J. Symes Scholarship Fund, and Back-To-School Backpacks.

To make a donation to the backpack program, send a tax-deductible contribution to NJWC, PO Box 217, Botsford CT 06404. In the memo line write “LSBP-2005, donation.”

For more information call Ms Paynter at 426-0064.