More than 170 Princeton children started the new school year with a new book bag full of school supplies, thanks to the ninth annual back to school drive spearheaded by the Princeton Department of Human Services.
The department has handed out backpacks to children in grades K-6 each year, but donors this year contributed enough book bags and supplies so the department could give out more than 170 backpacks. The drive was extended to include middle school and high school students.
For many years, the Princeton Human Services Commission, Princeton municipal employees, residents, local businesses and organizations have teamed up to donate book bags, backpacks and supplies to low-income families whose children attend the Princeton Public Schools – typically for 100 to 150 clients.
In addition to the Princeton employees, police officers and residents, the Department of Human Services has acknowledged contributions from Princeton University, W.B. Mason, the Witherspoon Presbyterian Church, Stone Hill Church, Princeton Baptist Church, Young Rembrants of Central New Jersey, the Gables at West Windsor and Corner House.
“This is truly a community effort and it’s great to see our community come together to ensure our children have adequate supplies as they start the new school year,” said Melissa Urias, acting director of the Princeton Department of Human Services. She praised the department’s staff members for stepping up to help out.
