Local Backpack Drive a Success!
The Merrick Foundation and Central Nebraska Community Action Partnership (CNCAP) recently teamed up to host a back pack drive for students returning to school in Merrick County. “We understand that buying school supplies can place a financial burden on families as they send their kids back to school,” states Shauna Graham, Executive Director at the Merrick Foundation. “We wanted to be able to help in some way, so we reached out to Angie Lane at CNCAP to see what was already being done and what would be most helpful moving forward.”
CNCAP, which is located just west of Bomgaars on Highway 30, has been providing school supplies to families in need for several years. “We use funds received from the red kettle during the holidays to help pay for supplies and we receive some school bags from the Salvation Army,” states Lane. “This year, donations and bags were down, so I’m so thankful to the Merrick Foundation, local businesses and our community for being so generous with their donations to students.”
Lane was able to provide 71 backpacks full of supplies to students in need throughout Merrick County. The Merrick Foundation also helped to notify local school counselors of the program, should more supplies be needed after school begins.
“This drive was successful because we live in such an awesome community,” states Graham. “It was heartwarming to watch so many businesses, families and kids bring items into our office. It was also great to work with Angie because as she distributed backpacks she also had the chance to talk with families about other services they might need.”
For those still in need of backpacks and/or school supplies, please contact Angie Lane at (308) 946-3794.
