Sending ‘em packing! Local group provides free backpacks for local students

By Melanie Buford

The Backpack Blitz was held by members of the Junior Auxiliary of Gulfport, pictured (l to r) Mimi Pippins, Michele Bennington, Merideth Kathmann, Emalee Gibson, Macie Buza and Catie Triggs. (Photo credit: Melanie Buford)

It was a Backpack Blitz at the Harper McCaughan Town Green in Long Beach on Saturday, July 25, and the backpack giveaway came just in time, four days before the first day of school in the Long Beach School District on July 29.

Hosted by the Junior Auxiliary of Gulfport, one-hundred free backpacks filled with school supplies were given out to local students, who were required to appear in person at the Backpack Blitz to walk away with new backpacks and school supplies for the new school year. Backpacks and the school supplies were given on a first-come, first-served basis.