Helping Hands for the Homeless & Hungry Mission Backpack Event

We are pleased to announce that Helping Hands for the Homeless & Hungry, Inc., a Rye-based non-profit organization, will hold our 28th Annual Empty School Bag project on August 17th and 18th. This will take place in the Resurrection Church basement, at 910 Boston Post Road, Rye, New York.

Our goal is to provide 2,050 new backpacks, each filled with over 17 school items for grades K through 12. Now routinely included in each middle and high school student backpack is a scientific calculator to better prepare students for their math and science homework and test taking. Incredibly, just $25 will provide a ‘school ready’ backpack with brand new supplies for a needy child. These backpacks will be distributed to underprivileged students, many residing in homeless shelters, throughout lower Westchester County.

How can you make a difference? It’s easy! Here are two ways to join us:

1. Make a Donation - The Backpack Project is funded entirely by donations from our annual backpack appeal. Just $25 will provide one ‘school ready’ backpack – less than a tank of gas for a week! Funds are needed now. Donations can be made through our website: www.helpinghandsrye.org or via mail at P.O. Box 982, Rye, NY 10580.
2. Volunteers - Volunteers are needed on Monday, August 18th from 10:00am - noon to unload and set up supplies and backpacks, and/or on Tuesday August 19th from 10:00am - noon to fill empty school bags. Tuesday, the day to fill the backpacks, is a better day for children to help out. Community service hours are available to students who request a form.

Since 1987, this event has enabled over 25,000 students to start their school years with all the supplies they need to succeed. You, our community, have given generously every year. Thank you for giving a child a better start at education this September.

Please visit our website: www.helpinghandsrye.org, email us at helpinghandsrye@gmail.com, or call Susan Salice at (914) 980-3511 with any questions.