DERRY — Hundreds of children in town are packed and ready to head back to the classroom.
Children participating in programs at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Derry received new school packs last week, as part of a program to help students get much-needed school supplies.
State Rep. Phyllis Katsakiores, R-Derry, along with the Office Depot Foundation, came to the club last week to distribute hundreds of packs to children participating in the summer program. Katsakiores is also a Derry town councilor.
The bags include essential school supplies, part of the Foundation’s 2017 National Backpack Program in partnership with the National Foundation for Women Legislators.
She gave out about 300 total bags at the club, where hundreds of students sign up for summer programs and activities.
The program has run in Derry for many years.
“I’ve given out well over 1,000 (bags) over the years,” Katsakiores said.
The colorful sack-style packs are filled with pencils, rulers, glue sticks, pencil sharpeners and erasers, everything a student needs to start the new year off right, Katsakiores said.