Star Group-Veterans Helping Veterans had another successful event where we gave away approximately 150 backpacks full of school supplies on Saturday, August 13th.
The Star Group Veterans Backpack Event Coordinator/Director was Mr. Lovell Mitchell who’s also the SGVHV Building Coordinator.
Mr Mitchell bought this idea to the SGVHV Advisory Committee after he was contacted by a school teacher looking for backpacks for their students. The Event was such a success and fulfilled the needs of many in the Cummunity, SGVHV voted to make it an annual event.
It started with 50 backpacks but has now been increased to 150. Each backpack was filled with all of the supplies listed on the CCISD school supply list. The backpacks were divided into two age groups - sixth grade through high school and kindergarten through fifth grade. There were 100 bags for the secondary class group and 50 bags for the elementary group.
Due to the continued Covid pandemic, the backpacks were distributed through the Drive By method. Information of the bag giveaway was distributed by SGVHV Team members and area nonprofits.
People who were in need of a backpack contacted the SGVHV Team members and were placed on a list and informed of the day and time to drive by the Star Group Veterans building to get their backpacks.
Several of the recipients were kids who probably wouldn’t have gotten new backpacks due to the current economic situation in our Country. Some were grandparents raising grandchildren, others were single parents and others indicating both work but just not enough money coming into the home.
All said they were so grateful for Star Group-Veterans Helping Veterans but the excited looks on the kids faces made it worth all the efforts.
One special person stated, “I think it’s awesome, because I’m a veteran myself, so I count it a blessing that the Community has this type of group and they’re here to reach out to help.”