Marlborough Backpack Drive for Sandy Hook

The Marlborough Early Childhood Center will be accepting donations to fill backpacks and remind students impacted by the tragedy that there is still good in the world.

"A friend who lives in Newtown, CT and whose daughter was in the first grade classroom next door to the tragic events has suggested that hand drawn pictures or notes of kindness, hope and encouragement be included in each backpack to help show the children that the good in the world outweighs the bad," said Samantha Locke, an ABA Technician, and Rebecca Zieminski, the Preschool Director in a letter released by the schools this week.

Many of the children had to leave all their school items in the school while they were evacuated. The items are being gathered for children in kindergarten through fourth grade. Items such as new pencils, paper, folders, crayons and markers are needed. The personal notes are encouraged.

A donation collection center will be set up at the Marlborough Early Childhood Center on Friday, December 28 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Organizers are asking that people bring their donated school items, letters, pictures and cards on Friday as the items will be delivered to Newtown on Saturday.