Berkeley Church Donates Dozens Of Backpacks To Local Kids

BERKELEY, NJ — Dozens of local kids will have an easier time this school year thanks to several local organizations coming together for "Backpack Fun Day" in Manitou Park.

"It was a huge success," Tina Daniel, one of the organizers, told Patch.

Forty people had come to pick up backpacks stuffed with school supplies, with many taking more than one, meaning dozens of children were helped through the event. Backpacks were given away not just to Manitou Park kids, but to anyone who needed them.

Hosted by New Hope Baptist Church of Manitou Park, Living Water Community Church and O.C.E.A.N., Inc., Backpack Fun Day provided local kids not only with school supplies, but a free fun day in the community.

A fire truck from Manitou Park Volunteer Fire Company was at New Hope Baptist Church, with kids able to hop inside and check it out. Food and games were also available. Other community groups were present to help families with food stamps and anything else they might need.

Those who missed the event and are still in need can head to the Bayville Firehouse on Aug. 28 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., where Wellspring Church will have a tent set up to give away school supplies.

Have school supplies and want to give back? You can bring items to several items in Berkeley to help with Mayor Carmen Amato's School Supply Drive. Read More: School Supply Drive Underway In Berkeley