Back-to-school event gives away 150 fully loaded backpacks in Germantown

As the new school year approaches, so does the need for supplies ranging from backpacks and calculators to pens, pencils and notebooks. For some families, the expenses can become burdensome.

That’s why the Concord Schoolhouse hosted the annual 6300 Germantown Business Alliance and the Historic Concord School House Back-to-School Giveaway on Saturday.

In the past, funding for the event was solely provided by 6300 Germantown Business Alliance.

With an increasing demand this year, many local business pitched in; they included Elfant-Wissahickon Realtors/The Neil Kugelman Team, Trolley Car Diner, New Covenant Church of Philadelphia, Historic Germantown, Target and Citibank.

  • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

Support evident

Among those who attended Saturday’s event were Eighth District City Councilwoman Cindy Bass, whose office was called “very supportive” by Concord School House Treasurer Michael Schweisheimer. Members of her staff helped direct families to the giveaway, assemble backpacks and provide voter ID information.

In all, 150 fully loaded backpacks were provided for school-aged children, organizers said.

Plans for fall 2013 have already begun, with a desire to double that figure. Anyone interested in sponsoring, donating to or volunteering at the event can contact Schweisheimer at michael@concordschoolhouse.org.

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal