Angels ready for backpack program

The Angels Over Sandpoint are preparing for their 14th annual Back to School event providing back packs and school supplies to children in Bonner County.

Many parents cannot afford to purchase all of the necessary school supplies each year, especially when they have more than one child in the home. Over 2,000 students in Bonner County participate in the free and reduced lunch program — these are the students the Angels aim to help.

The Angels’ goal is for at least 1,000 children to participate and receive school supplies and backpacks this year — a cost of about $30,000. Community support is vital in reaching this goal, Angels members said. This program is operated by volunteers, with all of the donations the group receives going directly to bringing supplies to students in Bonner County.

The Angels work with Community Action Partnership to register families to participate in this critical program. Letters were sent to local businesses and individuals requesting donations for the Angel’s Back to School Program. Community members who wish to donate are urged to make their contributions right away since supplies must be purchased soon to prepare for distribution at the end of August.

Angels Over Sandpoint is a non-profit charitable service organization, donations are tax-deductible, and those who donate will receive a receipt for tax purposes. Please send your check to Angels Over Sandpoint BTS, P.O. Box 2369, Sandpoint, ID 83864.

Families interested in receiving school supplies need to contact the Community Action Partnership office at 255-2910 to register by Thursday, Aug. 18. If you know of any families that struggle to provide school supplies for their children, please encourage them to call 208-255-2910 to register.