Need a backpack? Volunteers to give out free school supplies to students

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Back to school means shopping for new backpacks and school supplies. Before the first bell rings, some organizations here in the Cape Fear are teaming up to help at the 5th Annual Backpack Drive.

The drive was coordinated by the Wilmington Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance. It pulled together groups from the community to donate money for backpacks and supplies.

Around 70 volunteers packed 3,000 backpacks Friday. Coordinators say the event goes beyond giving children what they need.

“Because they’re low-income, doesn’t mean they have low-potential,” Robert Campbell said. “They have great potential, and we really feel like we’re sewing into that potential of these great kids by saying that ‘We know you’re onto something great and we want to be a part of it.”

The backpacks will be given away to children of all ages at the MLK Center Saturday from noon till 4 p.m.

There will also be free haircuts and health screenings for children and their families.