Fall brings us together for one of the most fun projects of the year – backpacks!
On Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, Ginny Squires-Eklund hosted 10 
volunteers who efficiently assembled 250 backpacks loaded with school supplies for kindergarteners at the three Portland public schools with the most need. It can be dizzying sometimes, circling through the room, collecting pencils, erasers, crayons, markers, and child-friendly scissors. After stuffing, each backpack is checked to make sure it is fully loaded, and then they are strung together for delivery. The work took barely two hours before volunteers dug into the tasty food and drink that Ginny always provides.
After dropping off the backpacks at three schools, our involvement doesn’t end. Reiche School always invites us to open house. This year, on Sept. 1, Lynn Goldfarb, Eydie Pryzant, and Peggy Shapiro helped each child select their personal backpack. Rarely do we get the chance to see the good that we do in such a direct and delightful way. Smiles all around!
Thanks to all the volunteers who provided hands-on help this year. And thanks to all members who responded to our appeal for funds to support this project and all the other good we do.
