NJWC Backpack Program Kicks Off

By Nancy K. Crevier

For the ninth year in a row, the Newtown Junior Women’s Club’s (NJWC) Annual Backpack Program is underway. The program distributes backpacks and school supplies to the children of local families in need.

This year, the club is pleased to accept the support of Newtown Youth Services, which is supplementing approximately 40 percent of this year’s NJWC backpack program budget. NYS is able to do so thanks to funds raised by the May 2005 NYS benefit concert performed by the Hat City Blues Band of Danbury, headed by Newtown resident David Lott.

Last year Newtown Social Services requested 109 backpacks for local students. This year, the number is expected to be even higher. Backpacks and supplies are purchased from a school supply distributor that gives the organization a discount, but the club gratefully accepts private donations. Last year’s backpack budget of $3,800 will need to be increased for 2006, said Betsy Paynter, co-chairperson for the backpack committee.

Newtown Junior Women’s Club is a civic-minded volunteer organization dedicated to the goal of giving back to the community. The Discovery Science and Math Workshops, Tag-A-Gift Program, Thanksgiving Baskets, J. Symes Scholarship Fund, and Back To School Backpacks are all projects of the Newtown Junior Women’s Club.

Newtown Youth Services offers youth counseling services, case and crisis management and support programs. The Annual Dinner Dance Auction, Youth Talent Show, and Independent Living Day are among many of the events sponsored by NYS.

“Newtown Youth Services and the Newtown Junior Women’s Club have a lot of the same objectives,” said Ms Paynter, “which are supporting youth in the community.”

The cost of providing a filled backpack to a schoolchild is $35. Tax-deductible donations can be mailed to NJWC, PO Box 217, Botsford CT 06404.