WEBE108's "Backpack Giveback" Benefits Students at Catholic Academy of Bridgeport

Students at Catholic Academy of Bridgeport were treated to a great surprise on their first full week back-to-school. Radio stations WEBE108 and WICC600 donated FREE backpacks filled with school supplies to 950 students at Bridgeport’s Catholic elementary schools.

The Radio Station’s Operations Manager, Danny Lyons, presented the backpacks to students at an assembly at St. Augustine Academy, one of the school’s four campuses. The remaining backpacks were then distributed to the 3 additional campuses, St. Andrew Academy, St. Ann Academy, and St. Raphael Academy.

Dr. Debi Boccanfuso, Principal at St. Augustine, remarked “Seeing the smiles on the students’ faces when they heard they were getting new, filled backpacks was precious. Giving back to the community is just one of the many character-building principles we teach here at Catholic Academy of Bridgeport. WEBE’s generous donation helped us exemplify this valuable lesson to our students.”

In an effort to display the school’s appreciation for the donation, Sr. Joan Magnetti RSCJ, the Executive Director of the Academy, had the radio station’s call letters inscribed on the backpacks, along with the school’s logo. “It’s a small token of our thanks for this gift to our deserving school community. We know our parents invest in their children’s education here at Catholic Academy of Bridgeport. Our students take pride in their academic achievement and I have no doubt they will take pride in sporting their new backpacks.”

WEBE’s donation is part of an annual campaign to give back to the local community. “Backpack Giveback” is now in its 8th year and the number of backpacks donated has grown each year. Danny Lyons commented, “WEBE108 and WICC600 are committed to the children in our community through the Holiday Fund For Children, and this year, thanks to a generous donation from the Norma F Pfriem Foundation and other sponsors, we are able to provide backpacks to all students attending the Catholic Academy of Bridgeport. We wish each and every child a successful school year.”

The Catholic Academy of Bridgeport, one of the 31 schools in the Diocese of Bridgeport, serves nearly 1,000 preschool through middle school students. The Academy provides a safe and nurturing environment where students are encouraged and challenged in preparation for a successful life of leadership and service. Students are at or above grade level in all subjects. Cultural and faith diversity is welcomed and celebrated at the Academy, while maintaining Catholic tradition. Generous financial assistance is provided to 85% of our student body to attend our schools.