2016 Backpack Drive: Setting Native American Students Up For Success

Published July 26, 2016    By Helen Oliff

Believe it or not, we’re already approaching Back to School season. Where did the summer go?

As families across the country head to the nearby big box store or mall with lists of items to buy – notebooks, pencils, backpacks, binders, lunch boxes – the concept of access to these important items likely doesn’t cross their minds. Oftentimes, it’s as simple as making a list and checking each item off as you shop. But for thousands of Native American students living on reservations, it’s neither simple, nor easy.

Let’s change that.

Annually, Partnership With Native Americans (PWNA) provides school supplies to aid Native American students in grade K-12. The first day of school is a milestone event, and PWNA believes the excitement of a new school year shouldn’t be tarnished by a lack of supplies.

Join our efforts as we launch our 2016 Student Backpack Drive to raise funds and secure gift-in-kind donations for 26,000 Native American students in need. We are accepting donations through August 12 to provide these students with the materials they need to succeed.

Whether you provide a monetary donation to go toward purchasing supplies, or you’re able to provide a bulk donation, such as a pallet or more of backpacks, notebooks, pencils, binders and other school supplies, you will make a difference by setting Native American students up for a successful school year. And remember, although the backpack drive ends August 12 — in time to meet school schedules — the need to replenish school supplies continues year-round.