Community Needed to Get 500 Children Ready for School

Over 500 children are relying on community support to start the new school year ready to learn. Donations for D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s 7th annual Backpack and School Supply Drive will prepare our community’s most vulnerable children for the first day of school.

WHY: The proceeds of the drive will give abused and neglected children receiving care through D.A. Blodgett-St. John’s a brand new backpack filled with school supplies for their first day of school. For most children, the first day of school is full of excitement. Unfortunately, 23% of children in Kent County are living below the poverty standard. For these children, the excitement of the first day of school is often overshadowed because they are unable to come to school fully prepared to learn with the proper school supplies. With the success of the 7th Annual Backpack and School Supply Drive, over 500 children will be able to start a new school year with pride and the same fresh start as their classmates.

WHEN:         Donations accepted until August 15th.

WHERE:        D.A. Blodgett-St. John's

                        805 Leonard St. NE

                        Grand Rapids, MI 49503

WHO:           The children of D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s

                        Community partners needed

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D.A. Blodgett-St. John’s is a 126-year-old accredited agency that works in partnership with the community providing comprehensive services to children and families, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, foster care, adoption, and family support, as well as, residential treatment and emergency shelter care. By law, we are unable to publish any photography of children in our care. Please refrain from photos of children’s faces if you attend D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s events.