Letter to editor from Beverly Bootstraps

The following letter was sent by Beverly Bootstraps:

Dear Editor,

Ten years ago, a mother came to us asking for help. She did not have enough money to buy her second-grade son the school supplies he needed for school.  Since then, Beverly Bootstraps Community Services has been distributing brand new quality school supplies to children through our Back to School Bonanza program.  This year we were able to distribute over 690 backpacks filled with the required tools and supplies to begin the 2010/2011 school year.

By giving children who live in low income situations the proper tools for school, they have more confidence and self esteem, and a better chance to succeed. We know academic success is the surest way for these children to overcome poverty, but in the short term, receiving new school supplies also helps to relieve immediate financial strain on the families.

The Back to School Bonanza program ‘s success relies on the generosity of the community. Without the support of businesses and individuals, we could not have provided the number of backpacks that were requested.

Thank you to the community for coming together to help us equip such a large number of students with the essential tools to begin their school year well. We could not accomplish this goal without your donations and your time volunteering to gather, sort and distribute the backpacks!

With great appreciation,

Sue Gabriel
Executive Director
Beverly Bootstraps Community Services
371 Cabot Street
Beverly, MA 01915