As families prepare for a new school year, the cost and stress of purchasing backpacks, notebooks and other essential supplies can quickly add up. Diocesan Catholic Charities helped ease that burden through its Migration and Refugee Services’ annual backpack giveaway, hosted at its Alexandria office Aug. 14.
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge joined Stephen J. Carattini, president and CEO of diocesan Catholic Charities, and other staff members to welcome families and distribute backpacks filled with school supplies to children preparing to return to the classroom.
A total of 95 backpacks filled with school supplies were distributed Aug. 14. Combined with giveaways Catholic Charities hosted the previous week in its offices in Fredericksburg (90 backpacks) and Manassas (110 backpacks), in all, 295 backpacks were distributed. Organizers thanked the following organizations for their generosity in making the school supplies drive possible: Selah Church in Fredericksburg; the Interfaith Council of Churches; St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in Fredericksburg; Nativity Catholic Church in Burke; Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Arlington; Women Giving Back; and the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society of Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria.
For parents working to establish stability and opportunity for their families, having the necessary school supplies means their children can enter the classroom prepared, confident and ready to learn.
“The beginning of a new school year should be a time of excitement and possibility for every child,” Carattini said. “Through this backpack giveaway, we are able to give families a break from some of the financial stress that comes with back-to-school preparations while making sure their children have the tools they need to begin the year ready to learn, grow and succeed.”
Throughout the event, Bishop Burbidge greeted children and their families and thanked the Catholic Charities staff for their ongoing work accompanying families as they build new lives in their communities.
Thomas is diocesan deputy director of communications.
