By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
In their efforts to support metro Atlanta children in need, For the Kid hosts their annual Backpack in the Park event. Peach spoke to Jeff Mayhew (President) and Sean Dunn (VP), about the benefit and how you can support the students in need.
Tell us a little about the background of Backpack in the Park.
“Backpack in the Park” is a back-to-school benefit that collects school supplies for students in need. We’ve distributed over 24,000 backpacks since we started! Think of this event as the “Toy Party” of Summer (we do that one, too!).
Who will these backpacks full of school supplies support?
Backpacks collected through this campaign are donated to local non-profit organizations that serve children who would otherwise not have all of the shiny new school supplies needed for a positive, confident, and fresh start to the school year. The recipient groups work directly with kids and apply based on need each year.
What can people expect at this year’s Backpack in the Park?
This year we are at the beautiful Magnolia Hall in Piedmont Park. Please join us Saturday, July 13th from 7-10 PM for an open bar, heavy hors d ‘oeuvres, music, and great auctions throughout the night. This year, be prepared for an upscale feel and plenty of opportunities to mingle and support the cause.
What do you need to know if you want to bring a backpack?
New, unused backpacks only, please. Fill them up with the following supplies that will cover the basics for several age groups, and everyone will be happy:
- 6 Two-pocket Folders
- 2 Spiral Notebooks
- 1 Box of Crayons
- 2 Packs of Filler Paper (Wide Rule, 150 pages each)
- Hand-held Pencil Sharpener
- 1 Glue Stick
- 12 No. 2 Pencils (1 pack or 12 individual)
- 1 Pack of Colored Pencils (12 -pack)
- 1 Three Ring Binder
- 1 Ruler
Is there an option to support even if you don’t show up with a backpack?
What a good-looking question! You can purchase a virtual backpack or donate any amount online at forthekid.org.
In what other ways can you support For the Kid?
Because we are a 100% volunteer organization, we are always looking for new volunteers and committee members to help our mission! Email support@forthekid.org if you have any interest! Hope to see you there!
Anything you’d like to add?
What else can we say, other than that we are truly grateful for all of our sponsors, donors, and volunteers. There is no way we could do this without their help; they help make all of this possible.