It's an essential school supply, but for some students, a new backpack isn't in the budget. That's where Rainbow's End Youth Services (REYS) steps in. REYS offers Backpacks to School, providing free backpacks and school supplies to students in grades one through 12.
"Any family in need is eligible for a backpack," said Jeremy Freimark, REYS program director. "We serve primarily Lancaster County, but we also have served families in surrounding areas including York and Harrisburg."
REYS, located at 105 Fairview St., Mount Joy, has been providing the service since 2012 and has given away thousands of backpacks. "We have been able to provide more than 600 backpacks each year, and the majority of them are not repeat families," Freimark noted.
Backpacks are stuffed with school supplies, including notebooks, pocket folders, markers and colored pencils. The registration deadline to receive a backpack is Saturday, July 31. Backpack distribution will be Monday, Aug. 9, through Friday, Aug. 13.
"After families register, they'll be assigned a time to come in during that week in August to pick up their backpack," Freimark explained. "We try to make it an individualized experience for the recipients, and the students get to pick out their backpack."
The backpack program helps REYS meet its mission of providing community service, he noted. "REYS is here to support students in three ways: spiritual guidance, academic assistance and social support," he stated. The backpack program also serves another purpose, he added, as it brings families into the center and introduces them to what REYS offers. Programming at REYS is faith-based and is available for students in grades one through 12. It includes homework help, sports and music programs, meals and more.
REYS is always looking for donations of backpacks and supplies, as well as volunteers to pack the backpacks. "For anyone who wants to volunteer, it's an opportunity for them to walk beside the youth center and help support families in need in our community," Freimark said. Volunteers can call the center at 717-653-9511 or email office@reys.org to sign up.
Freimark emphasized that the backpack program is part of REYS' overall goal of supporting students. "We offer this in addition to assisting with the academic needs of the students in our community," he stated. "It's a great way for us to reach out."
For more information on the backpack program, visit https://reys.org.
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