We've Got Your Back "Fill the Van"

Description

We’ve Got Your Back “Fill the Van” event at Shaw's in Dover-Foxcroft to raise money and collect backpacks and school supplies for the program and provide backpacks for children who need them.

Press Release: 
 
Penquis’ We’ve Got Your Back Program is Under Way
The program gives children in grades K-12 backpacks and school supplies
 
BANGOR, Maine – Penquis C.A.P., Inc. (Penquis) has launched its annual We’ve Got Your Back program. The program, sponsored by Blueberry Broadcasting and Katahdin Trust, helps students in grades K-12 living in Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Knox counties receive assistance in the way of a backpack and school supplies which will help them be prepared for a new school year. Currently, 900 children are registered to receive a backpack and the program estimates that 1,200 children will be registered by the time registration closes on August 6^th.
 
As the cost of living remains high, many families struggle to absorb all of the costs that come with a new school year. Through giving to We’ve Got Your Back, many children will have the confidence and tools needed for a great start to the 2024-25 school year because of the kindness and generosity of those who donate. When a child takes their new backpack and supplies to school on that first day, they will know it's because there's someone in the community who cares and wants their school experience to be the best it can be. Community contributions mean so much to both the parents and children.
 
We’ve Got Your Back will be participating in the “Fill the Van” event to raise money and collect backpacks and school supplies for the program and get backpacks for children who need them.
 
Friday, July 26^th from 8am-5pm, Penquis’ annual Fill the Van event will take place in Shaw’s’ parking lot in Dover-Foxcroft (1073 W. Main Street).
 
If you are not able to make it to this event, there are many ways to still support the program. You can donate directly to the program on We’ve Got Your Back’s website https://www.penquis.org/wgyb/, use text to give by texting 44321 GIVEBACKPACKS, or drop off backpacks and supplies at either Penquis located at 262 Harlow St. Bangor or your local Katahdin Trust Company. Backpack and supplies will begin to be sorted and distributed starting August 12^th.
 
All the backpacks and school supplies that are distributed are either donated or purchased with donated funds. “It’s community that makes this program happen,” says Penquis Community Relations Manager Renae Muscatell. “We truly could not do it without the generous support of all the businesses, organizations, and individuals that donate to the program.”[MT1] 
 
Penquis is a community action agency serving families in Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Knox counties. Any questions about We’ve Got Your Back can be directed to info@penquis.org.

Media Contact:  Renae Muscatell
(207) 973-3558
rmuscatell@penquis.org