Foster Kids Benefit from the VYH & DHS Backpack Challenge – The Backpack Challenged Was A huge Success!!

It’s back to school for Philadelphian kids today. Thanks to the Backpack Challenge which was a collaborative
community effort, spearheaded by Valley Youth House and the
Philadelphia Department of Human Services, to collect backpacks, school
supplies, and funds for undeserved and kids in foster care through the
Achieving Independence Center again this past summer.
At
the Kick Off in late July, the public was invited to attend to show their support and
learn more about the campaign. Rapper Chill Moody (left), a longtime supporter of Valley Youth House, Chunky and
Bex from Wired 96.5’s The Big Show MC’d the day’s event.
From late July til the
last week in August people and organizations collected the back packs and donations at over 90 sites around town. 2,500 backpacks and $15,000 was collected to support foster youth as they enter high school and college this fall.
Two weeks ago the students, and supporters gathered to hand out the back packs, filled with essential school supplies so the kids had a head start on the school year.
Valley Youth House president Annette Duranso greets the guests and encourages participation in the initiative.
My Chance and Valerie Johnson, Valley Youth House. Gloss spoke to the youth attesting “Know
you’re truth, not what others tell you, but aspire to believe in what you believe you should be.”