Somerville Kiwanis Club School Supply / Backpack Program

SOMERVILLE_ On August 19th, the final step in the Somerville Kiwanis Club annual school supplies / backpack drive before final delivery was completed was held at the Somerville headquarters of PUMA North America. A great group of Kiwanis members, assisted by some friends and an amazing group of PUMA employee volunteers were able to stuff all 200 high quality backpacks with needed school supplies in less than an hour. After a quick group photo, the boxed backpacks were loaded onto member vehicles for delivery to Somerville High School and Prospect Hill Academy.

The school supplies were donated on two Saturdays last month when Kiwanis members set up a donation site in front of Staples at Assembly Row. Dozens of citizens purchased and donated supplies and many even made cash donations to the program. Chairperson, Haley Adams thanked PUMA North America and their joint venture partner for this program, United Legwear for their donation of the 200 high quality backpacks and their support of this program for the past four years. Also, special thanks to Staples at Assembly Row for donating five cartons of looseleaf binders as well as their many customers who donated requested supplies, including one very special customer who shopped for $150 worth of school supplies. After inventory of donations, the remaining needed supplies were purchased with club funds.

President Tom Austin and co-President Dawn Austin thanked all of the members and volunteers who have helped make these donated backpacks and supplies available to those students who need them the most. Those students will be selected by school officials.

To learn more about the Kiwanis Club of Somerville or to become a member, visit our website www.somervillekiwanis.org