News

Fill a backpack challenge helps students prepare for the school year

Fill a backpack challenge helps students prepare for the school year

Photo: clipart.com


People in the Portland area are doing their part to make sure students have everything they need to start the school year despite COVID-19.

According to our info partners at CBS 13, The Portland “fill-a-backpack” program is going virtual this year, but it’s still vital to students looking for all the right supplies to start the school year.

Normally people drop off at the police station but this year givers can use an Amazon Wishlist to purchase supplies remotely that will be donated to the program.

For five years, Cheryl Brewster has been helping students prepare for the classroom.

“It’s amazing. It’s amazing just to see how excited they are and over the last couple of years we’ve had such a variety of backpacks that they get to pick their own so it’s something they actually cherish and they’re excited to wear to school every day,” Brewster said.

She adds that the best part is seeing a smile on kids faces when she hands them their brand-new backpack.

The deadline to submit donations is in three weeks on August 21.

Latest Headlines

2 hours ago in Local

Parents Speak Out Against Trans Student on Basketball Team.

During a meeting of the St George Select board on Tuesday, the parents of a town on the mid-coast spoke out against a transgender student on the basketball team.

4 hours ago in Local

Maine’s Amy Allen Earns Another Grammy Nomination for Songwriting

Maine’s Amy Allen is nominated for Songwriter of the Year at the Grammys—again! She won the award earlier this year and could take home another trophy in February.

4 hours ago in Local

Sebago Woman Scammed by Contractor Gets Surprise Help from Local Businesses

After being scammed out of $5,000 for a driveway, a Sebago woman got an incredible surprise: local businesses stepped in to finish the job for free.

4 hours ago in Local

Hundreds of Workers Temporarily Laid Off as Woodland Pulp Shuts Down

Hundreds of workers are facing temporary layoffs at Woodland Pulp in Baileyville. The mill has shut down until mid-December, citing market challenges. Maine officials are stepping in to help affected employees.

18 hours ago in Local

Portland police say parents won’t press charges after student grabbed while walking to school

No charges are expected after an eighth-grade student at King Middle School in Portland was grabbed by the wrist by an unknown person while walking to school on Thursday.