Free Backpacks Available For Havertown Students On Aug 21

HAVERTOWN, PA — Students in Havertown can get free backpacks thanks to an effort by State Rep. Mike Zabel.

Zabel is hosting Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway for students entering kindergarten through the 12th grade from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 21 in the rear playground of Garrettford Elementary School, 3830 Garrett Road in Drexel Hill.

Registration is required and residents must contact Zabel’s staff in Drexel Hill or Clifton Heights to reserve a backpack and school supplies for their children.

The event will include free food, games geared for children, basketball and music, and is being held in partnership with Teachers Teammates, Grands Stepping Up, Sun East Federal Credit Union, Burns’ Family Neighborhood Markets- Shop Rite Fresh Grocer, PECO, and Giant-Martin’s Food Stores.

"My event is an effort to help local families and students gear up for the school year," Zabel said. "We also organized this event in order to provide as many families as possible with information on valuable state programs and local organizations that provide important services for children, parents and guardians."

In the event of severe or inclement weather, a rain date is set for Sunday, Aug. 22.

Zabel’s staff and local organizations will be on hand to provide families with information about food insecurity, LIHEAP, early intervention, affordable childcare, mental health and well-being, abuse and bullying prevention, and more.