Backpacks Full of Love program begins

By MARLA PISCIOTTA, Tribune Staff Writer

An annual program that began nearly a decade ago to help children in need will begin early this year, and organizers are asking for help from businesses and the public.

Backpacks Full Of Love, a program that collects backpacks and school items for under-priviledged children, was started by Susan Oates in 1995.

"I saw on TV in Washington, D.C., where they were asking for donations from the public to help the kids. I thought our area would be a good candidate," said Oates.

Oates said the first year they gathered 25 backpacks and it has steadily grown. "Last year we did 150," she said.

Area businesses, as well as residents, are asked to contribute backpacks and/or items to put in them. Items may include pens, pencils, erasers, scissors, paper, spiral notebooks, folders, crayons, glue sticks and boxes of tissues.

According to Oates, the tissues are needed in the classrooms throughout the year.

The program kicks off today and will continue through July 22. Items can be dropped off at Peebles Department Store, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., or at Keyser Primary-Middle School weekdays from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Donations can be made payable to: Susan Oates or Helen Cullen, marked for Backpacks Full of Love, and sent to Susan Oates, c/o Peebles at 600 Keyser Square, Keyser, WV 26726.

For additional information call Helen Cullen at 788-4220 or 788-5867.