Thousands of backpacks delivered to Cadillac, Traverse City
Posted: 08.24.2010 at 7:46 PM

A semi truck dropped off new backpacks to families in need

CADILLAC -- A huge semi truck dropped off almost 2,000 new backpacks ready to be stuffed with food, books and back-to-school supplies Tuesday.

Dozens of volunteers from all over showed up stuffing each backpack for elementary, middle and high school students making them ready to pick up right away.

"I have to say this is special, unique, I just don't often get to see this kind of community support it's just it's so heartwarming," said Feed The Children Director Erin Carlstrom.

Families in need came to pick out backpacks, including one Cadillac woman whose house caught on fire last month, leaving her with little money to spend for her son's back-to-school supplies.

"I never thought I would have to but because of funding I can't afford to go anywhere else. Thank you so much for being here, for helping us out... This stuff is really appreciated," said Cindy Denoyer.

Some of the volunteers have been where Cindy Denoyer is and say it's a humbling experience. They say they are doing what they can to help.

"It encourages them to stay in school if they actually have school supplies and they feel better about going," said Lyndia Moore.

"We're very grateful, very grateful," said Denoyer.

Feed The Children still has 68 trucks left that will be distributing backpacks in the next few months.

Feed The Children says there are 1.5 million homeless children in the country. They have enough backpacks for 150,000 of them, and hope to have even more next year.

NEXT STOPS: Grand Rapids and Lansing on September 9th, Detroit October 12th.

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