The YMCA of Central Virginia presented more than 200 local children with free backpacks stuffed with school supplies Friday.
The big giveaway was part of the YMCA’s annual “Bright Beginnings” program, which aims to help needy children start the school year off right.
“We started this so kids could start school on a level playing field with the supplies they need to be successful,” said Jay Parker, director of the downtown YMCA branch. “This gives them the opportunity to get there and learn without worrying about not having paper or pencils or a glue stick.”
Parker said the YMCA created Bright Beginnings in 1998 after staff noticed that some children in their youth programs were starting school without the necessary supplies.
The program targets elementary school students. Participants, selected by the YMCA and area schools, come from Lynchburg and surrounding counties.
Materials distributed through Bright Beginnings are purchased with donations from YMCA members. Parker said this year’s effort also got a boost from an additional gift from Genworth Financial, which donated 114 backpacks.
The YMCA plans to distribute a total of 234 backpacks this year, at an estimated value of more than $9,000.
Most packs were distributed Friday during an afternoon-long event at the downtown Y. Del. Shannon Valentine, D-Lynchburg, attended to help with the giveaway.
Parker said in addition to providing practical school supplies, Bright Beginnings also bolsters the confidence of young students heading into a new school year and helps lay the foundation for academic success.
“You see all the smiles on their faces and know they’re just ready (for a new year),” he said. “I want to thank the employees of Genworth Financial and the members of the YMCA for caring enough to go out and spend not only their money, but their time, to buy these supplies and give our kids a better foundation for academic achievement and success.”
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