Yearly school supply backpack distribution by Northern Kentucky Harvest scheduled for August 9th
After a brief hiatus due to COVID-19, Northern Kentucky Harvest's Backpacks Bonanza is set to return to its original first-come, first-served model this year, marking its 25th anniversary. The event, which aims to provide grade-appropriate school supplies to underprivileged students, will take place on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 9 a.m. to noon, at St. Elizabeth Healthcare's Covington campus.
Families seeking backpacks at this year's event are required to provide a photo ID for the parent or guardian, proof of residence in Northern Kentucky, and Medical cards or Social Security cards for their children. This new requirement is designed to ensure the distribution of supplies to those who truly need them.
In addition, about 300 backpacks will be distributed before the Aug. 9 event to Harvest community partner agencies. This pre-event distribution is a new initiative aimed at reaching more students in need.
The event will see the distribution of 1,250 backpacks filled with school supplies this year, thanks to the financial and in-kind support from various organisations. The list of supporters includes the Butler Foundation, the R.C. Durr Foundation, the Covington Rotary Foundation, the Scripps Howard Fund, the Western & Southern Financial Fund, the SofaGives Charitable Fund, the Father David Hiller Fund of the Kolping Society of Cincinnati, St. Pius X Church in Edgewood, St. Timothy Church in Union, St. Joseph Church in Cold Spring, TJ Johnson State Farm Insurance, and CIRSC Site Operation.
The project's continued existence and the ongoing support it receives from these organisations suggest that there are many who recognise the significant need for help with back-to-school expenses among low-income families.
This year, pizza will be provided by Papa John's, adding to the event's festive atmosphere.
The Backpacks Bonanza is open to students from pre-school to 12th grade in public, private, and home schools across Northern Kentucky. The event is a significant endeavour, with this year's distribution pushing the total number of backpacks given away to over 19,000 since its inception.
Community and law enforcement involvement in the broader effort surrounding school supply drives connected to the Backpacks Bonanza can be seen in activities such as the Covington "Cram the Cruiser" school supply drive, which involves the Covington Police Department and community members who donate school supplies via Kroger stores.
The longevity of the Backpacks Bonanza indicates the continued need for such initiatives, and we look forward to another successful year of helping students start the school year with the tools they need to succeed.
- The Backpacks Bonanza will take place in Covington, Kentucky, at St. Elizabeth Healthcare's Covington campus, on Aug. 9, providing schools supplies to underprivileged students from pre-school to 12th grade in Northern Kentucky.
- This year, about 300 backpacks will be distributed before the Aug. 9 event to Community partner agencies, and an additional 1,250 backpacks will be distributed during the event, thanks to the support from various organizations.
- Families seeking backpacks at this year's event are required to provide a photo ID for the parent or guardian, proof of residence in Northern Kentucky, and Medical cards or Social Security cards for their children, to ensure the distribution of supplies to those who truly need them.
- The longevity of the Backpacks Bonanza indicates the continued need for such initiatives, and with community and law enforcement involvement in school supply drives, we look forward to another successful year of helping students start the school year with the tools they need to succeed.
