School on Wheels brings backpacks to kids

Two Dartmouth neighborhoods got together with School on Wheels of Massachusetts before the start of the school year to provide kids with supplies. 

Together, the volunteers from Bayview and a neighborhood off Elm Street filled 149 backpacks with necessary school supplies for students who are Dartmouth residents from elementary through high school. 

Supplies were based on grades, and included things like crayons and markers for the younger grades and earbuds and calculators for the older grades. Regardless of grade, all kids received an inspirational note.

School on Wheels is a non-profit that helps children facing homelessness or financial insecurity through donation of backpacks and supplies, tutoring and mentorship. 

“A backpack may seem like a simple item, but for children it represents so much more,” said Community Outreach Director for School on Wheels Barbara Fox, “It’s a symbol of readiness, belonging, and hope. When a child walks into school with the tools they need, they feel confident and included.”

The drive was coordinated with Select Board Chair Heidi Silva Brooks and Dartmouth’s Youth Advocate Deloris Joseph. 

Backpacks were either brought to the schools, or Joseph helped to deliver the backpacks to local kids in need directly. 

The backpack drives happen at the beginning of the school year, but Schools on Wheels takes donations of supplies year-round to ensure children have supplies when they’re needed. 

“I am so happy that I was able to collaborate once again with School on Wheels and to work with the wonderful volunteer team here in Dartmouth,” said Joseph.