NTM is proud to have supported Operation Backpack again this year, through the Volunteers of America.
Children who live in poverty or are homeless face many challenges and tremendous stigmatization. As a result, less than 25 percent graduate from High School. Operation Backpack helps prepare these children for school by giving them a new backpack filled with grade-specific school supplies. A new fully loaded backpack can make the difference between children fitting in and being excited to go to school or refusing to go at all. While helping to relieve a financial burden is important, it also helps the children look and feel like their peers who are beginning the school year with a brand new backpack. Our donations support school-age kids throughout all of Pennsylvania.
NTM set a goal of donating 20 full backpacks, which includes a new backpack and a full list of school supplies per grade level. Not only did we reach our goal of 20 backpacks, but we exceeded it by contributing 22 full backpacks and 4 cash donations. We were able to donate twice as many backpacks and school supplies as last year.
As a result of reaching our goal, NTM pulled two team names from the drawing and donated to each teams favorite charity. NTM paid it forward by donating to Food Bank of State College Area and LOOP Boyz and Girlz Club in Harrisburg. Congratulations to all NTM employees for all of your fantastic support of our local communities.