Back-To-School Backpack Program

This is the time of year when kids are busy shopping with their parents to stock up on back-to-school gear.

For some, the start of the school year is dreaded.

Imagine having to start the first day empty-handed -- no cool book bag, not even a crayon to your name.

This may seem hard to believe, but it is the fate of hundreds in our community.

The Department of Human Services & Milford Youth and Family Services came up with a solution: have the local schools and outreach programs identify the youths in need and offer the necessary supplies.

The task begins with the administrative assistant of Milford Human Services, Melissa Dubiel, coordinating with The Salvation Army to supply an alotted amount of book bags -- approximately 250 (though the number tends to increase to over 300 in need.)

Churches, organizations, private citizens and businesses then pack the book bags with supplies according to age. Monetary donations are also given to help fill the gap needed to purchase extra supplies.

Dubiel and Christie Roche, program coordinator at Milford Youth and Family Services, pack up the book bags with the help of student volunteers and then deliver them to schools and other locations. 

"I am blown away by the amazing generosity of our community. We have seen an approximate three-times the increase in volume of services needed and, even given the current economic status, people are still willing to help," said the executive director of Milford's Human Services Department, Lisa Diamond Graham.

They are in the process of distributing book bags now. Those interested in making monetary donations may contact Christie Roche at 203-783-3253 or mail donations to the Milford Department of Human Services, 150 Gulf St., Milford, CT, 06460 and note the Back-To-School-Backpack Program.