Back-to-school supply drive, giveaway to benefit New London students
New London — A few New London residents are holding a back-to-school supply drive and raising money for backpacks, which they plan to give away on Sept. 1.
Organizers set up a "Backpacks for kids in New London" fundraiser on Facebook, which raised $1,180.
"We realize that times are very tough for several families this year due to (COVID-19)," the fundraiser description reads. "We are hoping to help make back to school a little less stressful for New London families this year."
Those wishing to donate backpacks, notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers or other supplies can drop them off at Ring's End, 308 S. Frontage Road, Monday through Saturday between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Those wishing to set up a donation can also email organizers Heather O'Connor, Jamie Nazarchyk or Jessica Larson at Hmoc06@yahoo.com, Jamie.nazarchyk@gmail.com or Jlarson41509@gmail.com.
They will be collecting supplies until Aug. 31. O'Connor said Saturday they've purchased the first 100 backpacks and will purchase another 100 this week.
The organizers will be offering curbside pickup of one backpack per school-aged child at Toby May Park on Sept. 1 from 5 to 7 p.m., on a first-come, first-served basis.
O'Connor and Katelin Teel own Lady Boss Productions, which focuses on community fundraising. O'Connor explained that last year, Lady Boss Productions helped Rod Cornish of Hot Rod Cafe collect 187 backpacks for children in Groton. Five Below discounted their purchase last year and reached out again this year to Lady Boss Productions, which decided to do the backpack giveaway for New London.
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