900 backpacks going to Somerville students
A children's charity is donating 900 backpacks to disadvantaged youths in Somerville.
Superintendent Anthony Pierantozzi urged the School Committee to accept the donation on Monday, and the panel obliged. He said staffers at Cradles to Crayons hope the district will take "immediate ownership" of the backpacks, which are currently at a warehouse in Quincy.
"This is a very exciting thing for us," Pierantozzi said.
School Committee chair Maureen Bastardi said she received word of the donation on Monday afternoon. She added that since the gift was so large and such a pleasant surprise, she'd even volunteer to hold the bags for safekeeping before school officials distributed them.
"I was more than happy to donate my basement," she said.
Cradles to Crayons has offices in Greater Boston and Philadelphia. The group has served over 170,000 children since 2002, according to its website. The group donates school supplies, clothing, and toys - among other items - to children aged 12 and younger.
Supporters can donate to Cradles to Crayons online. Child Relief International has pledged to match all donations of up to $50,000 through Sept. 30.
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