Marblehead-based SPUR Launches Annual Backpack Campaign

MARBLEHEAD, MA — The Marblehead-based SPUR community nonprofit has launched its annual campaign to fill the backpacks of students in need from Marblehead, Lynn, Salem and Swampscott.

The Students Success Back-to-School drive aims to support more than 650 children across the North Shore this fall.

SPUR works with children- and family-support professionals, school counselors, food pantry directors, social workers and homeless education liaisons to identify students who face starting the school year without the supplies necessary for successful learning.

SPUR solicits tax-deductible donations and sponsors, then purchases the supplies in bulk at wholesale rates. Donations can be made until Aug. 21 here or those wishing to help can volunteer to fill the backpacks with supplies.

SPUR's volunteer coronavirus precautions include holding all shifts in a tented outdoor area whenever possible.

Those wishing to sponsor a North Shore student's backpack can do so for $73 for a high school student, $70.50 for a seventh- and eighth-grader, $66 for a fourth- through sixth-grader and $58.50 for a kindergartner through third-grader.

Those wishing to donate for a backpack and do so for $39.50 and those wishing to donate supplies only can do so for $28.00.

Go here for more information on the nonprofit's other campaigns.

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