Nik Rajkovic / news@whmi.com

Schools are just letting out for the summer, but the Livingston Educational Service Agency is already preparing for its 24th annual Backpack for Kids campaign in August.

The initiative is dedicated to providing basic school supplies-at no cost-to Livingston County students whose families are experiencing financial hardship.

"Right now it's the collection process, and also to get that date on your calendar, so they're ready to pick up a backpack if needed, come August," said Robin Schutz, LESA's collaborative coordinator.

"If they know anyone who can collect some supplies, or maybe they have a group through their church or workplace. If they want to do a drive to collect some school supplies, they can do that and donate those to the event. We will fill those backpacks in August."

Schutz says nearly one-third of livingston county families are considered what the United Way deems as asset-limited, income-constrained, and employed, or ALICE, and needing assistance with back to school items.

"Twenty-eight percent of our families fall into that category," said Schutz. "They are at a point where the cost-of-living here doesn't quite meet what their income might be."

"School supplies are expensive, especially at the beginning of the year when you have to have multiple notepads and multiple pens, markers and a backpack."

According to LESA, more than $15,000 in monetary and supply donations helped us distribute over 1,000 fully stocked backpacks to students from preschool through 12th grade in 2024.

The goal is to once again provide 1,000 backpacks to children across Livingston County.

Donations may be dropped off at LESA's headquarters off Grand River in Howell, Monday-Thursday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, through July 31.

The 4th Annual Backpack for Kids Charity Golf Outing is happening on Friday, June 6 at The Majestic at Lake Walden in Hartland.

See the link below for more details.