Cape nonprofit prepares school kids in 8 towns with backpacks full of supplies

As seen in the Cape Cod Times by Zane Razzaq

The program serves students who live in Cape's outermost eight towns: Brewster, Chatham, Eastham, Harwich, Orleans, Provincetown, Truro and Wellfleet. Donations can also be made to the organization’s Backpack Fund by visiting its website.

Homeless Prevention Council contacts local schools for supply lists for each grade. That way, the organization ensures a student entering the sixth grade at Nauset Regional Middle School, for example, will receive a backpack filled with everything they’ll need that year.

“A sister might get something completely different from a brother, but it’s what they’re required to have for that year,” said Smith.

More need growing

Smith said the program has seen more demand over the years.

In 2022, the nonprofit distributed 327 backpacks to children, which represented a 15% increase from 2021.

The organization also had a 24% increase in clients in 2024, said program officer Terri Barron. She said she hopes the program eases the financial burden on parents and guardians and frees up money to be used on other expenses.

The estimated cost of the program last year was about $43,000.

Access to other services

When a family signs up to receive a backpack, Smith said the organization also makes sure that they have access to other services they may need by setting them up with a case manager. Those services could include fuel and rental assistance or SNAP benefits.

“It’s much broader than just giving them a backpack. We want to make sure that they’re okay after the backpack program,” said Smith.

What supplies are most needed

As of Tuesday morning, the organization said it had received 169 backpacks, out of a goal of more than 400. The program, which is fueled by donations, also needs binders, notebooks, pencils, Elmer’s glue, and more.

Some older students also require special calculators for science and math courses, said Smith.

“I think that’s the big thing this year. A lot of them are asked to bring in scientific calculators and they’re anywhere from $115 to $125 … they’re a definite need for the high school kids,” said Smith.

During a backpack stuffing event, volunteers pack the new donated backpacks with all the supplies.

Where to drop off donations

Collection locations include the Homeless Prevention Council office at 8 Main St. in Orleans; Staples at 136 MA-6A in Orleans; Ace Hardware at 2632 Main St. in Brewster; Orpheum Theater at 637 Main St. in Chatham; all Seamen’s Bank locations; and the police departments in Chatham, Provincetown, Brewster, Eastham, and Orleans.

How to get a backpack or volunteer

New this year, donors can also buy the supplies off an Amazon wish list, which can be found on the organization website. Those supplies will then be shipped directly to the Homeless Prevention Council office in Orleans.

Smith said anyone who wants to participate in the backpack stuffing event or needs a backpack and supplies for the upcoming school year can learn more by calling 508-255-9667 or visit https://www.hpccapecod.org/backpack-to-school.

“The thing I’m most grateful for is the generosity of our donors, of the community. Our numbers are already bigger this year at this time than they were last year, but the community is always there,” said Smith. “I don’t know what we would do without our donors and our staff. It’s a production but it’s amazing.”

Zane Razzaq writes about housing and real estate. Reach her at zrazzaq@capecodonline.com. Follow her on X @zanerazz.

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