This year was the second year for SG-VHV to give away backpacks. Mr Mitchell, a Star Group-Veterans Helping Veterans Advisory Committee member, was contacted last year by a teacher looking for backpacks for their students, so Mr Mitchell ran the idea past the group. The group gave away 50 backpacks last year.
During the 2021 year, SGVHV voted to do this again but increase to 150 backpacks. Each backpack was filled with all of the supplies listed on the CCISD school supply list.
The backpacks were divided into two age groups - sixth grade through high school and kindergarten through fifth grade. There were 100 bags for the secondary class group and 50 bags for the elementary group.
Due to the continued Covid pandemic, the backpacks were distributed through the Drive By method. Information of the bag giveaway was distributed by SGVHV Team members and area nonprofits.
People who were in need of a backpack contacted a SGVHV Team member and were placed on a list and informed of the day and time to drive by the Star Group Veterans building to get their backpacks.
Ms Rose Williams brought her grandchildren, who are in fourth and second grades. She said she was so grateful for Star Group-Veterans Helping Veterans. “I think it’s awesome, because I’m a veteran myself, so I count it a blessing that the Community has this type of group and they’re here to reach out to help.”
