Milford Salvation Army Service Unit's Annual Backpack Program for Children

It’s that time of year again, when the Milford Salvation Army Service Unit collects school supplies for its annual Backpack Program for the children of Milford.

Each year, the goal is to insure that all children in Milford start the school year with a new backpack filled with school supplies.

Preparing children for school with a new backpack filled with school supplies helps to boost self-esteem and gives them the tools and confidence needed to learn and thrive in school.

By donating to the Milford Salvation Army Service Unit Backpack program, purchasing school supplies and dropping them off at the Milford Health Department, 82 New Haven Ave. , before Aug. 12, or organizing your own drive at work, school, church, or club, you can be involved in giving back to those who need.

Over the years, with the generous assistance of the Milford community, the Milford Salvation Army Service Unit has been able to provide thousands of backpacks, school supplies, and a variety of support services to children and families throughout Milford.

Milford Service Unit purchases sturdy backpacks, and local churches, individuals and companies fill the backpacks or donate the school supplies. Distribution of the backpacks to each school and the Milford Human Service Department is done by volunteers.

Beginning in the spring, letters are sent to schools in the district requesting the names of children who would benefit from one of these backpacks, according to a release. Information gathered is confidential.

Contacts for more information include: Lesley Darling: 203-783-3383, Joan Canavan: 203-874-0365, Peggy Kelly: 203-783-3627.