ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Kids may just be starting summer break, but leaders in Central Florida say it’s never too early to think ahead to the next school year.
Hundreds of volunteers gathered on Thursday at the Orange County Convention Center for the Great Big Backpack Build, an event organized by A Gift for Teaching. The goal: to fill a record 30,000 backpacks with school supplies for students in Orange and Osceola counties—helping families start the school year with one less worry.
“It removes the stress,” said Jane Thompson, president of A Gift for Teaching. Thompson said with the current economic conditions, this year’s backpack build is especially important. ”It’s just a huge relief,” said Thompson.
This year marks the seventh year for the Backpack Build. And while it may feel early, organizers say the timing is intentional—making sure students have the supplies they need and are ready to learn on day one.