Adopt A Backpack

VOLUNTEERS POSE for a photo at the Washington Elementary School cafeteria in Bessemer on Thursday afternoon with some of the backpacks they have prepared for this upcoming school year. According to Al Gaiss, one of the organizers of the event, the adopt a backpack program allows students to have a bag full of the supplies they would need to have a successful school year when they otherwise may not have been able to. From left, front row, are Nancy Rudolph, Fred Broemer, Paulette Strelcheck, Julie Glatczyk, and Ayva Davis (9); back row, Daniel Uttke, Paul Nutini, Kindergarten teacher Isabelle Williams, Heather Berg, Margaret Berg, Bob Berg, Dave Partanen, Vanessa Partanen, Kathy Whitburn and Al Gaiss. "One of the most important things we feel about the adopt a backpack program, outside of giving them supplies and helping out our school district, is that we are helping to build confidence and compassion within our student base," said Kathy Whitburn. This year the program donated 80 backpacks, which is the most thus far. In total, Gaiss says they have donated 681 backpacks.