MoCo Students To Get Backpacks From Chamber Of Commerce NextExecs

BETHESDA, MD — The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce NextExecs are participating in a drive to provide needy Montgomery County Public School students with backpacks filled with school supplies.

The GIVE BACKpacks campaign raises funds to purchase backpacks for students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals. Each new backpack comes with supplies appropriate for K-12 school students, including pencils, pens, dividers and notebooks.

The Chamber of Commerce is supported by several businesses and organizations on the initiative, including Marriott International, Metro Bethesda Rotary Club, Behnam & Associates, Barre 3 Bethesda, First National Bank and The Bethesdan Hotel.

Greater Bethesda Chamber NextExecs are made up of young professionals in the greater Bethesda community interested in engaging in business networking, professional development and community service.

One of the Chamber members, Anna Benham, has assembled more than 200 backpacks for students as part of the initiative, according to the Chamber of Commerce.

Benham, through her nonprofit, Yellow Boomerang, has enlisted the support of her community to donate supplies and fundraise.

“Back to school is an important time and there are many Montgomery County families in need. I am glad that we can come together as a community and support our neighbors,” Benham said in a statement.

While NextExecs are doing the hands-on work of preparing the backpacks for students, Chamber members, as well as the rest of the community, are encouraged to participate by donating a minimum of $10 to the drive. Every donation will go to help supply another student with a loaded backpack.

The easiest ways for people to donate financially are through the Chamber’s Venmo @TGBCC account or a check made to the “Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce” with the memo line Backpack drive.

NextExecs plan to deliver the backpacks to participating schools in Montgomery County starting in mid-August and leading up to the first day of school on Aug. 29th.