The Backpack Project is in full swing for the 2013 school year. Merrill Forward Together Healthy Community Initiative, the Optimists, the Lincoln County Family Resource Center, the Lincoln County Extension Office, the 4-H Ambassadors and Walmart are working to fill over 400 backpacks for students in grades K-5 who qualify under federal guidelines.
School supplies can be dropped off at River Valley Bank and Walmart. Walgreens is no longer able to accept items for the Merrill backpack project. You can still donate supplies at Walgreens, but they will go to an out of town organization. Linda Becker, one of the project coordinators, notes that the local Walgreens has been very supportive of the Merrill Backpack project, but that the corporation has chosen to be involved in a more national school supply campaign. Items already donated have been given to the Merrill project.
Tax-deductible contributions for additional supplies needed are graciously accepted and can be mailed to MFTHCI-Backpacks, P.O. Box 793 in Merrill. Items should be donated by Aug. 18 so backpacks can be prepared for distribution.
A letter with more information has been mailed to eligible families, along with a form to be completed. Parents should bring the form to T.B. Scott Library on Aug. 24, between 9:30-11:30 a.m. to pick up backpacks. The library will not open before 9:30 on the day of distribution.
If you have questions about the Backpack Project, please contact Debi McGregor with the Family Resource Center at (715) 539-9228.