NEW YORK, NY – Every child deserves to start the school year feeling prepared. For the 1,400 students living in HELP USA shelters and supportive housing, that often means needing support to access basic school supplies.
To meet this need, HELP USA launched the Build-A-Better Backpack Drive, an annual campaign to ensure students across its programs begin the school year with everything they need to succeed.
Jina Park, HELP USA’s Senior Vice President of Families with Children Services, shared, “At our giveaway last year, we were handing out backpacks and one of the little ones hugged hers like it was a treasure. It hit me that for these kids, it’s not just about pencils and notebooks. These backpacks bring dignity, excitement, and a sense of belonging.”
With one in three people experiencing homelessness in New York State now being a child, the need for support is urgent. A donation to the campaign helps provide students with essential tools and a confident start to the academic year.
