NASHVILLE – Youth Villages is seeking Backpack Heroes for more than 1,000 children and young people who are receiving care in the Upper Cumberland and across Middle Tennessee for back-to-school preparations.
The Backpack Heroes program collects new backpacks and school supplies for children who have experienced trauma or have a history of emotional or behavioral health issues so they can start the school year equipped to succeed. The program will serve youth in all countries in Middle Tennessee out of their offices in Nashville, Clarksville, Cookeville, Columbia and Dickson.
Individuals, families or groups, such as businesses or church congregations, may participate as Backpack Heroes by signing up to either collect and donate new backpacks and supplies for the program or financially contribute (sponsor) a child, sibling group or group home for the back-to-school needs.
Supplies can be delivered to the Cookeville office of Youth Villages located at 448 Neal Street.
Scheduled volunteer groups from corporate partners and civic groups will come to the Nashville office to stuff the backpacks for local youth on Wednesday, July 30.
“Many of our families and youth come from extreme situations and need extra support, including help with school supplies,” said Claire Timlin, regional supervisor of foster care and adoption at Youth Villages. “Backpack Heroes help alleviate some of the anxiety associated with back to school time. When our kids receive a new backpack with school supplies, it gives them the excitement and self-confidence they need to go back-to-school.”
For more information or to sign up for the program, contact Julie Abbott at 615- 250-7266 or Julie.abbott@youthvillages.org.
About Youth Villages
Youth Villages of Middle Tennessee offers a full continuum of programs to serve emotionally and behaviorally troubled young people throughout Middle Tennessee. This year, we will help more than 5,500 children, young people and their families through offices in Clarksville, Columbia, Cookeville, Dickson and Nashville.
