Local Drop-offs Provided for “Backpacks for Hope”

PULLMAN, Wash. – Those in the Pullman area who would like to participate in the “Backpacks for Hope” program will have several opportunities in upcoming weeks.

 “Backpacks for Hope” is a Washington State University partnership with former Cougar football player Steve Gleason, a NFL New Orleans Saints player, and his mother, Gail Gleason, a WSU College of Education doctoral student and graduate assistant. Through it, backpacks filled with school supplies are being collected to aid some of the estimated 250,000 children displaced by Hurricane Katrina. The backpacks will be collected outside of Qwest Field before Saturday’s football game between the Cougars and Grambling State University.

But those who are not attending the game in Seattle may also participate.

Backpacks with supplies may be dropped off at collection sites outside of Martin Stadium before WSU’s Oct. 8 game against Stanford.

WSU Community Service Learning Center staff will also be collecting the backpacks at the Compton Union Building‘s Redwood Bench (near the CUB information desk) from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sept. 16, 23, 30 and Oct. 7.

To participate, identify the grade level of student you wish to help. Buy a grade-level appropriate backpack, write the grade on a piece of tape affixed to the outside of the backpack. Into the backpack put:

• School supplies, including notebooks, pens, pencils, crayons, colored pencils, markers, rulers, scissors and glue.
• A children’s book, appropriate for the age of the child.
• A stuffed animal for the child.
• A journal or notebook for the child to write down their personal story of how the hurricane has affected their life.

The backpacks will be delivered to San Antonio, where they will be delivered to children by Saints players and staff and provided to various relief groups working in the area.