By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Fourth grader Jeremiah Kemper had his hopes pinned on just the right backpack for school.
“I’m thinking of black and red,” Jeremiah said as he waited in line for a new backpack with his grandpa, Dan Page.
His grandpa wasn’t looking for a specific backpack – but just some help in sending his grandson off to school with the supplies he needs.
“This is very helpful,” Page said, noting the number of grandparents in the backpack line last week.
“Nowadays there are a lot of us taking care of them,” he said.
More than 600 bookbags were filled with school supplies and given to Wood County students last week during a program coordinated by the Salvation Army, United Way and Wood County Health Department.
“Our families in Wood County are in need. If we can help out, we will,” said Harley Maddox, head of the Salvation Army office in Wood County.
As much as possible, the supplies packed into the bags were based on the lists put out by local school districts – pencils, crayons, binders, folders, highlighters, scissors, hand sanitizer and water bottles.
“That’s what we try to put in the backpacks,” Maddox said.
Brenda Clark, of Walbridge, came to pick up backpacks for her daughter and two grandchildren, who stood in line with her.
“This is very helpful,” Clark said, noting that just one binder on her daughter’s school list costs $20.
Diana Ross had no idea how much school supplies would cost for her two grandchildren in Perrysburg schools.
“I haven’t had kids in school for 25 years,” she said. “Absolutely, this is a blessing.”
The bookbags are built to last students the entire school year.
“The ones we are giving out are good ones,” said Sue Clanton, director of United Way in Wood County.
The mountain of backpacks were handed out at the end of a line of service providers, including information that parents and grandparents might need. This was the first year the backpack event was held at the Wood County Health Department, where parents and children could tour the health center.
Families were offered free immunization records, “so they can check on what kind of shots the kids might need,” said Alex Aspacher, community outreach coordinator with the Wood County Health Department.
They toured the dental center and got anti-bullying information.
“The health department has been an awesome partner,” Maddox said.
And at the end, the children received their backpacks.
“Usually when the kids come, they are excited,” Maddox said. They often try on the backpacks to make sure it’s a good fit.
“It’s a good start for the year for them. They are always appreciative,” she said.
The backpacks are available to students in need from Wood County.
“We try to get all throughout the county,” Clanton said.
“If you are in Wood County, we want you to come. We are here to serve you as well,” Maddox said.
