National Charity League and Aljoya Donate Backpacks to Kids

Mercer Island's Lake Washington and Evergreen chapters of the National Charity League teamed up with Aljoya, the City of Mercer Island, and regional non-profit Treehouse to donate at least 100 school backpacks in total to needy Mercer Island and Seattle-area kids.

The NCL's Evergreen Chapter and Aljoya worked together with the Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS) Department on the city's annual "Back to School Backpack Program" which supplies qualified students with a backpack and all the necessary supplies to begin the school year fully prepared.

Although MIYFS coordinates this program, the backpacks and supplies themselves were donated by the Aljoya retirement community (for the fourth consecutive year). In a similar act of giving, girls and moms from the local chapter of the National Charity League donated time to fill each backpack with school-specific supplies--a significant undertaking given the extent and diversity of items required.

"MIYFS would like to extend its 'thanks' to Aljoya and the NCL for yet another year of generous giving," stated a city press release.

In all, 60 backpacks filled with supplies made going back to school a little easier for some Island kids and families.

"It is great to see the community come together like this to support kids having a good start to the school year with needed school supplies," says MIYFS Emergency Assistance Coordinator, Cheryl Manriquez.

Meanwhile, Mercer Island's other NCL chapter, Lake Washington, collected about 25-30 bags and boxes of new and gently used school clothes and backpacks to be donated to Treehouse, a Seattle area non-profit which assists foster children in King County.

"The Lake Washington Chapter of National Charity League donates thousands of dollars and volunteer hours every year to 15 local charities," said Lake Washington member, past-president and local mom Robin Crandall. "We are a mother-daughter organization dedicated to community service, leadership development and cultural experiences."

For more information about the City of Mercer Island's Bakc to School Backpack program, contact Manriquez at 206-275-7869 or email her at cheryl.manriquez@mercergov.org.