In its 15th year, Operation Backpack continues to supply backpacks stuffed with school supplies to local students in need.

The program originated at Mabscott United Methodist Church in 1995 when a group of church ladies collected school supplies for a local homeless shelter.

The following year, the women distributed 10 backpacks filled with supplies to disadvantaged students at Mabscott and the former Institute Elementary School.

“I had some friends who were teachers at the time that said the program was great,” Operation Backpack coordinator Cindy Parker said.

The program continues to snowball each year.

Last year, Operation Backpack furnished 800 backpacks to local school kids.

As the program expands, organizers say they rely on donations from the public.

This year, Operation Backpack’s greatest needs are bookbags (new or gently used), loose sleeved paper and pencil pouches.

All other school supplies and/or monetary donations would also be appreciated.

“We started in elementary schools, and now the program is offered to students K-12,” Parker said.

“Our goal is to help those students that have fallen through the cracks for whatever reasons. The students are able to do their best work with the necessary supplies and may see a better future for their education.”

On the first day of school, guidance counselors in Raleigh, Fayette, Summers, Wyoming and Boone counties distribute the backpacks.

Counselors ensure that each student’s privacy is protected so others don’t recognize that the backpack was received in charity.

Operation Backpack also makes sure all students living in the homeless shelter and the Women’s Resource Center receive a backpack filled with supplies.

“Simple things makes a huge difference in children’s lives,” Parker said.

“When I was at Bradley Elementary School doing an art project, I asked the kids to take out a black crayon or a black marker. One little girl didn’t have one and none of the kids sitting next to her would loan her one.”

Parker says the girl’s teacher said she could benefit from the program. After receiving a new backpack, she didn’t want to take it home, in fear someone would steal it, Parker said.

Parker told the story of another student at a Boone County elementary school who was getting teased in his classroom.

“He lived near the garbage dump. His backpack was pinned together with safety pins and kids were making fun of him,” she said.

“He was the first student we helped in Boone County.”

Those interested in making monetary donations can do so by sending a check payable to Operation Backpack to Mabscott United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 710, Mabscott, WV 25871.

Drop-off boxes are located at The Register-Herald, Walgreens (three locations), City National Bank (Park Avenue), BB&T; (Harper Road and Beckley Plaza) and the Dollar Tree.

Business donations with company logos will also be accepted.

Anyone seeking additional information can call Mabscott United Methodist Church at 304-252-4207.

— E-mail:

jayres@register-herald.com