Beverly Bootstraps Launches 2024 Back-To-School Bookpack Drive

BEVERLY, MA — Beverly Bootstraps is launching its annual drive to provide backpacks to students in need across Beverly and neighboring communities with the 23rd annual program to serve low-income families.

Beverly Bootstraps said up to 1,428 families come from what are considered low-income households in Beverly alone — and increase year-over-year that it said emphasizes the "urgent and growing need in our communities."

Beverly Bootstraps serves Beverly, Manchester, Essex, Hamilton and Wenham.

Those wishing to done can order online here through July 24 with all supplies ordered online delivered by Beverly Bootstraps. Beverly Bootstraps can also deliver their own bought backpacks by July 10 at locations across the service area.

Those donating backpacks can drop them off at The Community House at 284 Bay Road in South Hamilton, the Manchester Public Library at 15 Union Street, the Manchester Recreation Department at 10 Central Street, the Burnham Public Library at 30 Martin Street in Essex, Brookline Bank at 8-10 Martin Street in Essex, Beverly Bootstraps at 35 Park Street, the Beverly Public Library Children's Room at 32 Essex Street, and the Farms Branch of the Beverly Public Library at 24 Vine Street.

A list of supplies needed to fill the backpacks can be found here.

Distribution will begin on Aug. 19 with curbside pickup at Beverly Bootstraps.

Those in need and would like to be considered for a donation can call Beverly Bootstraps at 978-927-1561.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached @Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)