DOE Launches 5th Annual Backpack Drive

CONCORD- The New Hampshire Department of Education has launched its 5th Annual Backpack Drive. The Department is seeking donations of new backpacks for students of all ages from now through August 18. New backpacks can be dropped off at the Department of Education, 101 Pleasant Street in Concord. The backpacks will be given to school nurses, law enforcement, and PPE stations across the state for pickup and distribution to students in need.

"New Hampshire families sometimes struggle with the out-of-pocket expenses of sending their kids back to school, and this is one way people can lend hand" said Diana Fenton, who first created the Backpack Drive for the Department in 2016. "This year, ‘back to school’ takes on even more importance.”

To ensure the safety of New Hampshire students, DOE staff will follow safe handling practices and will disinfect the backpacks prior to distribution.

In its first year, the Backdrive Drive collected 160 backpacks. Last year, that grew to more than 600. For more information, contact Diana Fenton at (603) 271-3189 or diana.fenton@doe.nh.gov.

Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut and Diana Fenton
cap off the 2019 Backpack Drive.