Education launches Backpack Drive

CONCORD - Today, the New Hampshire Department of Education launched its 4^th Annual Backpack Drive to make it easier for Granite State students to go back to school in the Fall. The Department is asking people to donate new backpacks for students of all ages from now through August 16. Drop off the new backpacks at the Department of Education, 101 Pleasant Street in Concord. The backpacks will be given to school nurses across the state, who will distribute them to students in need.

"Sending kids back to school can be a big out-of-pocket expense for New Hampshire families," said Diana Fenton, who has organized the Backpack Drive for the Department for the past four years. "This is a great way for us to help ensure that New Hampshire students are ready to learn when they go back to school."

In its first year, the Backdrive Drive collected 170 backpacks. Last year, that grew to more than 500. For more information, contact Diana Fenton at (603) 271-3189 or diana.fenton@doe.nh.gov.