Linfield College education majors are collecting school supplies to fill the backpacks for Yamhill County youth this month.
Linfield’s Sigma Delta chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, the international education honor society, will hold a school supply and stuffed animal drive for the Beyond Backpacks campaign, which provides supplies to low income youth (K-12) in Yamhill County. Throughout April, supplies can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at Potter Hall at Linfield. Items needed include stuffed animals, children’s socks, pencils, colored pencils, crayons, markers, spiral notebooks, folder, pencil boxes and other school supplies.
Alyssa Kaplan, co-president of KDP, has volunteered with Beyond Backpacks for the last three years but took a more active role this year after seeing the benefits of the program first-hand as a student-teacher.
“I jumped on the opportunity to be involved, excited to help such an awesome organizations that I have personally seen benefit students in the classroom,” she said.
The supplies will be distributed at an event in August, where youth can choose from a wide selection of backpacks, notebooks, pens, scissors and other goods. Stuffed animals will also be provided for younger siblings. After students choose their supplies, they can enjoy a “fun zone” complete with temporary tattoos, popcorn, snow cones, carnival-style games and a guest appearance by Mack the Wildcat.
In addition to providing the necessary items for school, the pickup event creates excitement as youth prepare for school.
“It’s a fun experience for everyone involved,” said Kaplan.
KDP’s mission is to advance quality education by inspiring teachers to prepare learners for future challenges. It is open to education majors or minors and provides professional development and volunteer opportunities.
For more information, contact Kaplan at akaplan@linfield.edu.
