More than 100 local students were outfitted with new backpacks and school supplies during giveaway events hosted by the Munroe-Meyer Institute’s Care Coordination team.
New school supplies can be a barrier for many families, said Maggie Neujahr, manager of the Care Coordination Program at MMI.
“It’s nice to be able to tell families we can provide that and give them an immediate resource right then and there,” Neujahr said. “It feels good to give them help with something we know can be an expense a lot of families might not be able to cover right now.”
The giveaway was made possible through a grant from United Healthcare.
Backpacks were given out to MMI families on two dates — one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Some backpacks were delivered to off-site locations to alleviate transportation hurdles.
Backpacks and supplies were available for all grade levels. Supplies included binders, markers, notebooks, pencils, loose leaf paper, deodorant, combs and mini self-care kits.